Kylian Mbappe said Real Madrid’s collective performance was the real story after his two goals secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.
The France forward marked his 100th goal for Real Madrid by scoring both of his side’s goals in an outstanding individual display. However, speaking to the club’s official television channel, RMTV, Mbappe insisted the team’s contribution was more important than his personal milestone.
“The player of the match today is the team and the group, because we knew we had to play like men and as one team,” he said. “We prepared well in the last few matches, played with the right mentality and gave everything we had.”
Real Madrid faced difficult periods during the match but also enjoyed spells in which they controlled proceedings, according to Mbappe. He said the victory was important in keeping the club involved in the race for the Spanish league title, while stressing that the squad must continue working and collecting points.
The forward also warned that beating Barcelona would mean little if Real Madrid failed to maintain their recent form.
“Five consecutive wins mean nothing to us; we want to win every match,” Mbappe said.
He called for the same level of hunger in Real Madrid’s next fixture against Racing Santander. The Clasico victory had given the players a lift, he said, but it did not mean the season was over or that the team had already achieved its objectives.
Mbappe left Spotify Camp Nou wearing a shirt displaying the number 100 in recognition of reaching the landmark with Real Madrid. He said he was pleased to score goals and help the team, but again placed the collective result above any individual achievement.
The France international also acknowledged that Cristiano Ronaldo had reached the milestone before him. Despite that comparison, Mbappe said personal numbers were secondary to the club’s success.
Real Madrid, he added, have the quality required to meet their ambitions. Winning trophies, however, would depend on the players continuing to work together and moving forward as a single unit.
“We have to move as one group, because that is the way to achieve the club’s ambitions this season,” Mbappe said.