A year on, divine Mbappé returns to the Cathedral where everything changed | Sid Lowe

One year on from the moment Mbappé's fortunes changed forever, the French forward has returned to San Mamés, where it all began. In October 2024, he scored a crucial goal in a Clásico against Barcelona, marking a turning point in his season and ultimately helping Real Madrid secure the title. The 25-year-old has since become instrumental for Los Blancos, scoring an astonishing 55 goals in just one calendar year.

Mbappé's form has been nothing short of spectacular, with many pundits hailing him as "Super Mbappé." His acceleration, speed, and goal-scoring prowess have left defenders in his wake. The Brazilian's incredible performances have not only helped Madrid but also overshadowed Barcelona, which had been struggling to cope with the loss of key players.

Under manager Xabi Alonso, Madrid has shifted its strategy, adopting a more direct approach that utilizes Mbappé's pace and power. The 4-4-2 system has seen Aurélien Tchouameni operating as a deeper-lying playmaker, while Jude Bellingham has been deployed in a more advanced role.

The win over Athletic Bilbao marked Madrid's best performance of the season, with Mbappé scoring two goals and setting up another. The victory was a significant boost for Alonso, who had been under pressure after a string of defeats. While it remains to be seen how long this resurgence will last, one thing is certain: Mbappé has been instrumental in Madrid's success.

As the team heads into the final stretch of the season, doubts about Alonso's ability to manage the players have started to surface. The coach's tactics and decision-making have come under scrutiny, particularly after Vinícius' incident during the Clásico against Barcelona. However, with Mbappé on the pitch, Madrid has looked like a different team.

The French forward has been instrumental in breaking down Bilbao's high line, exploiting spaces that other teams have struggled to access. His performances have left goalkeeper Unai Simón scrambling, and his goal-scoring record continues to impress. As the season enters its final phase, it remains to be seen whether Madrid can sustain this level of form, but one thing is certain: Mbappé has been the driving force behind their resurgence.

Madrid's win over Bilbao has given them a glimmer of hope in the title race, and with the team showing signs of unity, there may still be a chance for Los Blancos to salvage what was looking like an imploding season. With Mbappé continuing to score goals at an incredible rate, Real Madrid can finally start feeling the joy that has eluded them all season - hope.
 
man I'm loving this mbappe madness 🤩 he's literally unstoppable on the pitch like a superman or something! 55 goals in one year is insane 😲 i remember when cristiano ronaldo was doing that kinda thing back in the day and people were talking about how he's gonna break records for years to come. same vibe with mbappe, dude's got game 🤯 but what's up with xabi alonso's tactics tho? it feels like madrid's playing a completely different team than last season when zidane was at the helm 🤔 don't get me wrong, Alonso's doing a great job and all, but can he keep this level of form up? we'll have to wait and see, i guess 🤞
 
I'm loving how Kylian Mbappé is leading by example 🙌! His return to San Mamés was like a homecoming for him and the fans. The way he's been scoring goals non-stop is insane 💥, and his acceleration is something else 🏃‍♂️. Madrid's strategy change has definitely paid off, and that 4-4-2 system with Tchouameni and Bellingham working together is pure magic ✨.

But I do worry about Xabi Alonso's tactics and decision-making, especially after Vinícius' incident 🤔. You can't ignore the doubts creeping in, but Mbappé's form is still so incredible that it's hard to question anything he does on the pitch 😎. Let's hope Madrid can keep this momentum going and make a push for that title 💪!
 
I'm loving how Real Madrid's resurgence is being linked directly to Mbappé's greatness 🤣. It's almost like they've been holding on for dear life until this one guy shows up and suddenly they're unstoppable. I mean, who needs a solid team effort when you have the "Super Mbappé" on the pitch? 😂 The 4-4-2 system seems to be working out pretty well, especially with that deeper-lying playmaker Aurélien Tchouameni... zzz, I'm sure it's super exciting. 👀
 
I'm loving this season of Real Madrid so far 🤩 especially with Kylian Mbappé on fire 🔥! He's like a superhero on the pitch, leaving defenders in his wake and scoring goals for fun 🎉. The team's strategy has definitely changed under Xabi Alonso and it's working wonders ⚽️. I'm not sure about some of the doubts around Alonso's tactics though, but with Mbappé leading the charge, Madrid feels like a different team 💪. Fingers crossed they can keep this momentum going until the end of the season 🤞
 
🤩 so I think its clear why they call him super mbappe now 🚀 he's literally unstoppable on the pitch! his speed and acceleration are insane, and his goal-scoring record is mind-blowing. but beyond just scoring goals, what I love about Mbappé is how he's brought a sense of freedom to madrid's playstyle. the way they're using him as a focal point, allowing him to roam around the pitch and pick out chances... its pure joy to watch! 🌟

and you know what's even more impressive? the fact that he's been able to carry this team on his back when it seemed like things were falling apart. vinícius' incident against barcelona was a major blow, but mbappé stepped up and led madrid to victory. that's what separates the great players from the good ones, imo 🙌

now i know some people are saying that alonso's tactics need to be tweaked, and maybe that's true. but with mbappé on the pitch, madrid feels like a different team altogether. his ability to break down high lines and exploit spaces is just incredible, and its been the key to their recent resurgence. so here's hoping they can keep this momentum going and actually win the title! 🏆
 
I'm loving this Super Mbappé era 🤩. The guy's been on fire, and it's hard not to watch him play when he's got the ball at his feet. Alonso's tactics have clearly played a huge role in bringing out the best in him, and now I'm actually rooting for Madrid (don't tell my friends 😜). Can they keep this up? It'd be amazing if they managed to hold off Barca and take that title 🏆.
 
🤔 so its official now, Kylians' superstar teammate is carrying Real Madrid to the title 🏆. Like, seriously, how much work does Alonso need to do? The guy's been in charge for a year and still can't get his team on track, but add Mbappé to the mix and suddenly they're a contender 😂. Not that I'm saying Vinícius didn't have something to do with it... 🙃
 
I'm low-key obsessed with Kylian Mbappé rn 🤯🔥! He's literally carrying Real Madrid on his back and it's so sick. I mean, 55 goals in a calendar year is straight fire 🔥💥. The way he's exploiting spaces and leaving defenders for dead is insane 😂. Xabi Alonso needs to keep him happy and firing on all cylinders because if he doesn't, the whole team is gonna fold 💔.

Madrid's resurgence is so inspiring 🌈, and Mbappé's been the one sparking it 🔥. I'm still skeptical about Alonso's tactics tho 🤔, but when Mbappé's on the pitch, magic happens ✨. The man's a superhero ⚡️. Can they hold onto this momentum and win the title? Fingers crossed 🤞!
 
🔥 I'm loving the resurgence of Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso! 🙌 Kylian Mbappé is literally unstoppable 🔪! His speed and goal-scoring prowess have been a game-changer for the team 🏆. The 4-4-2 system is working wonders, and Aurélien Tchouameni's deeper-lying playmaker role has been a masterstroke 💡. I'm not surprised Madrid are giving Barcelona a run for their money now 🔥! Mbappé's "Super Mbappé" form is inspiring 🤩... bring on the final stretch of the season and let's see if they can sustain this level of magic ✨!
 
Mbappé's been on fire 🔥 and it's hard not to see why they're saying "Super Mbappé". The guy's got skills for days 🤩. But let's be real, Real Madrid's luck is kinda funny ⚠️. One minute you're struggling to score goals, the next you've got a goal-scoring machine on your hands 💥. Alonso needs to figure out how to keep Mbappé happy and the team consistent 🤔. If they can sustain this level of form, they might just pull off that title 🏆. And who knows, maybe this resurgence is more than just Mbappé's doing 🤷‍♂️.
 
🙌Mbappé's 55 goals in one year is insane! 😲 He's literally carrying the team to wins. Need him to stay fit and healthy for the rest of the season 🤞, or it'll be another disappointing finish for Madrid.
 
I just saw this thread and I gotta say, I'm surprised how low-key Mbappe's impact is on the pitch rn 🤔😒 He's literally carrying that team to wins and he still gets zero recognition in Spain lolol. Alonso's tactics are so basic and it's like they're not even trying anymore. They should've made some changes after that Vinicius incident, but I guess Mbappe's form is just too good for them to resist 😂👀
 
I mean have you seen this guy's skills on the pitch 🤯? He's literally unstoppable! I was watching the game against Barcelona and his acceleration was so fast it left me speechless 😲. And 55 goals in one year is insane, right? 🤦‍♂️ But what I don't get is why they're questioning Xabi Alonso now? Like, he's got Mbappé on his team, what more can he do? 😉 The guy's been doing a great job so far. And yeah, Madrid's strategy change has worked wonders - who knew having Mbappé up front would be the answer to all their problems? 😂
 
🔥 I think this is amazing, Mbappé is literally on fire right now! 💨 His speed and agility are insane, it's like he's unstoppable on the pitch 🌪️. The way Real Madrid is playing now, with Mbappé leading the charge, gives me goosebumps 😍. It's not just about him scoring goals, though that's definitely a big part of it, but his work rate and vision on the pitch are also top-notch 🔩. I'm loving how Alonso is adapting his tactics to get the best out of Mbappé 🤔. Can't wait to see what happens next! ⏰
 
Mbappe is on another level 🤯 his pace and power are unmatched... I think Alonso's changed up the game plan for him but still having to rely on him to get wins is a bit concerning... should be giving other players more chances to shine
 
I'm so hyped about Kylian Mbappé's performance this season 🤩! He's literally been unstoppable on the pitch, and it's no surprise why they call him "Super Mbappé" ⭐️. His speed and goal-scoring prowess are giving defenders a run for their money 😂. The 4-4-2 system is really paying off with Aurélien Tchouameni operating as a deeper-lying playmaker 🤝. I'm loving the way Jude Bellingham's been deployed in an advanced role too! 💪 With Mbappé on the pitch, Madrid's looking like a completely different team 🔥. Can't wait to see how this season unfolds... fingers crossed they can keep up this level of form 🤞!
 
I gotta say, Mbappé is on another level right now 🤯 He's been carrying Real Madrid for months and his goal-scoring record is insane 55 goals in a year? That's something special 👏 The way he's been able to exploit spaces on the pitch and leave defenders in the dust is pure magic ✨ Xabi Alonso needs to get some credit for adapting his tactics to suit Mbappé's pace and power, but still some people are doubting the coach's ability 🤔 Vinícius' incident during the Clásico was a low point, but with Mbappé on the pitch, Madrid looks like a different team 💪 Maybe this resurgence is more than just Mbappé, maybe it's a sign that the team is finally coming together 🔥 Still gonna be interesting to see how the rest of the season plays out 🤔
 
Mbappé is literally UNSTOPPABLE right now 🤯! He's not just scoring goals, he's dominating games. 55 goals in a year? Mind blown! 😲 The way he's been terrorizing defenders with his speed and power has been a game-changer for Madrid. And Alonso's tactics have clearly paid off - using him as the focal point of their attack has made all the difference.

But for real, can they sustain this level of form? They've got to stay focused if they want to take down the title. And what about Alonso's job security now that doubts are starting to surface? 🤔 He needs to keep getting results if he wants to stay in charge.

One thing's for sure, though - when Mbappé is on the pitch, Madrid looks like a completely different team. They're finally playing with confidence and swagger, and it's infectious. So here's to Super Mbappé and his incredible form! 💥
 
Mbappé's rise to stardom is like a reminder that even when we hit rock bottom, we have the power to change our trajectory 🔥💪. One year ago, he was struggling to find his footing, but now he's the driving force behind Real Madrid's resurgence 🚀. His transformation is a testament to the human spirit – we all have the capacity for growth and reinvention.

The way Madrid has adapted its strategy to play around Mbappé's strengths is like a business lesson: identify your core competencies and build your team around them 📈. Xabi Alonso's tactical changes have paid off, but it's also important to acknowledge that the coach's success relies on his ability to make adjustments and trust his players.

The fact that doubts about Alonso's coaching abilities are resurfacing is like a reminder that growth requires challenges 🤔. It's normal for us to question ourselves when we're facing uncertainty, but with Mbappé leading the charge, Madrid can start feeling a sense of hope again ❤️.

This season has been a rollercoaster ride, but Mbappé's incredible performances have shown us that even in the darkest times, there's always a glimmer of light 💫.
 
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