Real Madrid Triumphs Over Marseille in Champions League
In a gripping Champions League clash on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid emerged victorious against Marseille, overcoming an early deficit and a late red card to win 2-1. Kylian Mbappé was the hero of the night, netting both goals for the Spanish giants, both penalties that secured their comeback after Tim Weah had initially put Marseille in front. Real Madrid showcased their resilience, particularly after losing Dani Carvajal to a dismissal in the 72nd minute.
Kylian Mbappé’s Milestone Performance
This win marks another chapter in Real Madrid’s storied legacy as the most decorated club in European football, and Kylian Mbappé’s performance spotlighted his growing impact since his high-profile transfer in July 2024. The match not only highlighted his ability under pressure but also brought him to a significant personal milestone — his sixth goal of the season and his 50th for the club, a figure he achieved in just 64 appearances.
Mbappé’s Journey Compared to Club Legends
However, while Mbappé’s feat is commendable, he does not hold the record for the fastest player to reach 50 goals for Real Madrid. The 26-year-old has surpassed notable names in the club’s history, such as Ronaldo Nazário, who took 73 games, and both Hugo Sánchez and Karim Benzema, who needed 77 and 106 games, respectively. Even his teammate Vinícius Júnior has a longer journey to that mark, needing 202 matches to reach the 50-goal milestone.
Historical Context of Goal Scoring
Historically, eight players have managed to achieve this feat more quickly than Mbappé, with Manuel Alday leading the pack at 57 games, followed by Pahiño and Pruden with 61 and 62 games, respectively. Among the most legendary figures, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás made remarkable impacts during their time. Di Stéfano, a mythic presence at the club from the 1950s to the 1960s, scored 308 goals in total and reached 50 goals in his second season. Puskás, who joined Madrid later, dazzled by scoring 25 goals in his debut season and then skyrocketed to 47 the next, achieving 50 during Madrid’s triumphant European campaigns.
Comparing Mbappé to Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo also shone brightly during his stint, hitting 50 in just 54 matches after his record transfer from Manchester United. However, the two players at the top for speed in reaching 50 goals did it even faster than Ronaldo—one with goals spread over two tenures at the club, and the other, Sanudo, striking at an astonishing rate during the 1930s.
As Real Madrid continues to build its legacy, Kylian Mbappé’s journey is one to watch, even as he works towards matching the incomprehensible speed of the club’s all-time greats.
