By Olaitan Ibrahim
The electrifying display not only cemented Madrid’s hold on the top of La Liga but also left fans and rivals alike in awe of the French superstar’s clinical brilliance.
The stage was set at the Estadio José Zorrilla, where the home side initially sought to frustrate Madrid’s fluid attack.
However, it took just 30 minutes for Mbappé to stamp his authority. Jude Bellingham, a maestro in midfield, threaded a perfect pass to the forward, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner, leaving Valladolid goalkeeper Karl Hein rooted to the spot.
The second half saw more of the same as Mbappé turned on the style. In the 57th minute, Rodrygo teed him up beautifully inside the box, and the 24-year-old made no mistake, effortlessly doubling Madrid’s lead with a precise strike.
The Frenchman’s pace and movement were simply too much for Valladolid’s defence, who looked overwhelmed at every turn.
As the clock ticked toward stoppage time, controversy erupted. Referee Mateo Busquets consulted VAR after a reckless challenge by Mario Martín in the box.
The Valladolid player, who had already been booked, received his marching orders, leaving the home side reduced to 10 men.
Mbappé stepped up to take the resulting penalty, and with ice-cold composure, sent Hein the wrong way to complete his hat-trick in the 91st minute.