Mbappé Double Gives Real Madrid Seven-Point Lead

Real Madrid thrashed Valencia 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras adding the other goals. The win — Real’s 13th from 14 matches in all competitions — extended their lead atop LaLiga to seven points, leaving them on 30 points, with Barcelona able to cut the gap if they win their next match. Mbappé, who paraded his Golden Boot before the game, converted a VAR-awarded penalty and a close-range volley, drawing renewed Ballon d’Or discussion. Valencia remain in deep trouble, winless in six and sitting 18th in the table. Xabi Alonso fielded a strong side ahead of their Champions League trip to Liverpool on Tuesday.