Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe's late double, including a penalty, secured a 2-0 home success over Real Betis on Sunday, earning the champions their second LaLiga victory of the season.
France captain Mbappe, who moved to Marid from Paris St Germain in June, did not score in their first three LaLiga games after netting on his debut, a 2-0 win over Europa League champions Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup to start the season.
On Sunday, the Frenchman ended his short drought to help his side claim a second win in four league games, which eases the pressure ahead of the two-week international break as they stand in second spot with eight points, four behind Barcelona.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw at lowly Las Palmas on Thursday, and still missing attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham due to a leg injury, the hosts had another slow start on Sunday, dominating possession but failing to create clear chances.
The so-called "New Galacticos” Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo misplaced too many passes and struggled to connect.
{{/usCountry}}The so-called "New Galacticos” Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo misplaced too many passes and struggled to connect.
{{/usCountry}}Betis were well organised in defence and often dangerous on the counter, with forward Abde Ezzalzouli missing two clear chances in the first 15 minutes that could have shocked Real.
With Rodrygo fixed in the right channel, Mbappe and Vinicius struggled to find their mojo as they alternated positions early on, with the same problems from previous games suggesting Madrid must work harder than expected to fit Mbappe into their system.
Mbappe missed a couple of clear chances from crosses by Vinicius and failed to beat defenders for pace in the opening stages but looked more like his old self in a couple of runs from the middle and the left wing as the game progressed.
The home side looked livelier after the break, with Mbappe and Vinicius starting to click, and they kept making progress in the second half, with Vinicius hitting the post in the 50th.
They finally broke the deadlock in the 67th minute through Mbappe's close-range effort after a brilliant back-heel by midfielder Federico Valverde, who showed great vision to beat the offside trap.
Mbappe wrapped up the points in the 75th with a penalty after Vinicius was fouled by goalkeeper Rui Silva.