Watch: Kylian Mbappe hits Cristiano Ronaldo's 'I'm here' as he scores first hat-trick for Real Madrid

The 2024-25 edition of La Liga returned with a fresh lineup of matches this weekend, featuring an all-important clash between Real Valladolid and Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.

Real Valladolid found themselves at the bottom of the La Liga standings, struggling to survive in the Spanish top flight.

Real Madrid sat at the top of the league table and had been in outstanding form for quite some time. They had truly peaked at the perfect moment of this season.

Real Valladolid faced a monumental challenge and needed nothing short of a miraculous performance to hold off the galacticos on Saturday.

Mbappe's hat-trick propelled Madrid's triumph 

Real Madrid headed into the match missing Vinícius Júnior, who was serving his second match of suspension following a red card received against Valencia. 

In his absence, the attacking lineup, which included Brahim Díaz, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappé, effectively set the tone for the game. 

In the 30th minute, the team beautifully orchestrated a goal that happened to break the deadlock. Rodrygo initiated the move by shifting into the centre, and after a clever one-two between Bellingham and Mbappé, the latter found the back of the net with precision, marking his fifth consecutive game with a goal this season. The Frenchman again struck in the 57th minute of the game.  

Real Madrid executed a brilliantly orchestrated goal, regaining possession in midfield. Rodrygo surged forward and delivered a precise pass to Mbappe on his left. Mbappe was quick to finish off the work with a potential strike into the bottom right corner. After scoring his second, Mbappe hit the iconic 'I'm here' celebration of his idol, five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

KYLIAN MBAPPE WHAT A GOAL! 🤯pic.twitter.com/zIiMONIU7Ehttps://t.co/Pmva9pdK30

— TC (@totalcristiano) January 25, 2025

In injury time, Jude Bellingham was fouled inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Kylian Mbappe rose to the occasion and converted the spot kick to complete his hat trick.