Kylian Mbappe recently notched his 33rd goal for Real Madrid this term, emulating Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut season.
Carlo Ancelotti has weighed in on Kylian Mbappe possibly reaching or surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid success.
Mbappe scored twice in Los Blancos' comeback 3-2 win over Leganes on Saturday, taking him to 33 goals in all competitions for the Madrid outfit.
That was the same tally Ronaldo reached in his debut 2009-10 campaign for Real, albeit in 35 games (Mbappe's return is from 45 matches), leading to suggestions of the Frenchman potentially eclipsing the club’s leading goalscorer.
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Ancelotti reacts to Mbappe-Ronaldo comparison
Speaking to the press before the club’s Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg clash with Real Sociedad, Ancelotti offered a balanced view.
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“It's tough to compare different players,” said the Real boss. “I hope and really wish for him that he's able to achieve what Cristiano Ronaldo did at Real Madrid.
“He's in with a chance of doing so and that means he'll become a Real Madrid legend as Cristiano Ronaldo has.”
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Ancelotti, who could become the first Real Madrid boss to win three domestic cups, commented on the possible achievement at the club.
The Italian manager claimed those titles in 2013-14 and 2022-23, ending a nine-year wait with the latter success.
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“Becoming the first Real Madrid coach to win three Copas does motivate me, but being so close to a final motivates me, the players and the club,” he continued.
“Playing a final in any competition is a great achievement. We're very close and we're further motivated by the support of our home fans and the narrow lead we took in the first leg."
What next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid could play fierce rivals Barcelona in a Clasico final or local foes Atletico Madrid in the title match.
Los Blancos hold a 1-0 lead from the reverse fixture against Real Sociedad in San Sebastian.