Real Madrid stretched their perfect start to La Liga with a commanding 4-1 victory away to Levante on Tuesday.
Kylian Mbappé struck twice, taking his tally to seven league goals in six matches, as Xabi Alonso’s side maintained their 100 per cent record.
Vinícius Júnior broke the deadlock with a superb finish, while Franco Mastantuono also found the net for the league leaders.
Barcelona, five points adrift in second place, travel to Real Oviedo on Thursday.
After his frustration at being substituted against Espanyol on Saturday, Vinícius started on the left and delivered an excellent display. Since finishing runner-up to Manchester City’s Rodri in last year’s Ballon d’Or, the Brazilian had struggled for consistency, but he rediscovered his spark at the Ciutat de València stadium.
Vinícius opened the scoring in the 28th minute, bending a delightful effort with the outside of his boot past goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. He later set up Mastantuono, who hammered into the top corner for Madrid’s second.
Levante briefly threatened when Karl Etta Eyong headed in his fourth goal of the season, but Mbappé quickly restored Madrid’s control. The Frenchman cheekily chipped home a penalty after being brought down by Unai Elgezabal, before rounding Ryan to score his second of the evening.
Mbappé, who endured a difficult settling-in period after his move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, has now hit nine goals in seven games across all competitions this season.