Real Madrid chase consistency as Mbappe-Vinicius partnership takes shape

Real Madrid took time to find their rhythm this season, but they head into saturday's clash with Espanyol sitting at the top of La Liga.

The match will be their final league outing before facing city rivals Atletico Madrid, who trail Carlo Ancelotti's side by four points. With Kylian Mbappe rediscovering his best form, Madrid have steered clear of a potential crisis.

After a sluggish start to their Champions League campaign, the reigning champions reached the knock-out stages in style, rounding off the group phase with a commanding 3-0 victory at Brest on wednesday.

Vinicius Junior missed the midweek win due to suspension, allowing Rodrygo Goes to shine in his place on the left wing. The Brazilian forward seized the opportunity, scoring twice to extend his own purple patch.

Mbappe's recent surge in form has coincided with Vinicius' absence, first through injury and then a suspension following his red card against Valencia in january. But with Vinicius set to return for the trip to Espanyol, the prospect of a strong partnership between the two could elevate Madrid to another level.

"We look more solid, and I have full confidence in this team because I like what I'm seeing out on the pitch," said Ancelotti, praising his side's recent improvements.

Mbappe has netted six goals in his last four games across all competitions, though Vinicius has only started one of those matches. The Brazilian, however, has made it clear that he and his teammates are ready to support Madrid's marquee signing.

"Kylian has come to help us, and we will help him finish as top scorer in every competition," Vinicius said earlier in january, reinforcing his commitment to their partnership.

At the start of the season, it seemed Mbappe preferred to operate in Vinicius' favoured left-wing role. But Ancelotti has persisted with the Frenchman in a central position, and the results are now starting to show.

Mbappe admitted that he initially took a cautious approach upon arriving at Madrid, aware of the club's status as Champions League holders.

"I've never been a shy player, but when you come to a team like Real Madrid, who won everything last season, you have to come with humility," he explained.

"I can't come demanding to a team that has just won the Champions League. That's not how football works."

With Espanyol languishing in 18th place and battling relegation, Madrid will expect nothing less than three points when they visit Cornella. The match could also provide the perfect opportunity for Mbappe and Vinicius to finally build their on-pitch connection.

Key stats

• 9 – Alaves veteran Kike Garcia is the highest-scoring Spanish player across Europe's top five leagues this season.
• 13 – Rodrygo has been directly involved in 13 goals (nine goals, four assists) in his last 11 matches for Madrid.
• 17 – Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski leads the La Liga goalscoring charts, two ahead of Mbappe.