Mbappé Like a Hurricane: Six Minutes to First Goal Under Mourinho

Kylian Mbappé needed just six minutes to score his first goal under José Mourinho. The French striker found the net in his first and only preseason appearance, proving he is ready for the start of the official season and the end of the summer break.

Explosive Entry into the Match

On Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, against Schalke, Mbappé capitalized on a misplaced pass from Schlotterbeck, intercepted the ball, and beat goalkeeper Loris Karius. His physical performance suggested a man eager for competitive challenges, all after only starting training on Monday.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, his goal tally could have been even higher. In the 11th minute, he again broke into the penalty area, but his shot went wide. A minute later, he had an even better chance when he outpaced Katić over a 40-meter distance, demonstrating his physical superiority over every Schalke player on the pitch.

Playmaker, Not Just a Scorer

Karius saved that attempt, but Mbappé's rapid bursts clearly showed what kind of player has returned from his break. The Frenchman was not satisfied with just a goal. He also played as a playmaker, winning the ball in his own half and finding Vinícius with a precise long pass. Later, he capitalized on an excellent ball from Arda Güler and delivered a dangerous cross that Vinícius squandered after the ball was cleared off the line. In 45 minutes of play, the French striker was unstoppable.

Mourinho's Delight

Mourinho could hardly hide his satisfaction with Mbappé and the rest of the team. Smiling after the friendly against Fiorentina, he said: "In the first match with good players, Real Madrid appeared in top form."

These levels reflect a team on the rise in this meticulously planned preseason, and much of the credit goes to Mbappé. He has added more sharpness to Mourinho's fixed 4-2-3-1 formation and helped unlock the brilliance of Arda Güler, who played another great match and was named the player of the summer. The attacking duo continues to hint at unlimited potential.

Reports from the Valdebebas training base had already confirmed that the French striker returned in excellent shape. He proved it on the pitch, retaining the scoring instinct that earned him ten goals for France at the World Cup. He finished last season with 42 goals and seven assists, but without a single team trophy since arriving at the club.

This phase is a decisive opportunity for him to prove himself to everyone, and above all to himself. The first spark of a fateful challenge was ignited in Gelsenkirchen.