Real Madrid vs Arsenal: Video of Kylian Mbappe Practicing Free Kicks Emerges Ahead of Key Clash
- Kylian Mbappe has been spotted fine-tuning his free-kick skills ahead of the Real Madrid vs Arsenal clash
- The Frenchman went through the motions at training as his team seeks to overturn a first-leg defeat
- Mbappe would have to be at his devastating best if Los Blancos' dreams of staging the Remontada come true
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Real Madrid is ramping up preparations with laser focus ahead of the pivotal UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal on Wednesday, April 16.
After a sobering 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, the reigning champions have found themselves staring down a steep mountain ahead of the return leg in Madrid.
Source: Getty Images
A brace of free kicks from Declan Rice, followed by Mikel Merino’s pinpoint finish, left Carlo Ancelotti’s side with it all to do in the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu, per the London Evening Standard.
But if there’s any side capable of rising from the ashes under European lights, it’s Los Blancos.
With a legacy built on rewriting scripts, Real Madrid remains undeterred, banking on history, hunger, and a home advantage that has seen many a giant fall.
Mbappe sharpens skills ahead of Arsenal clash
Amid the buildup, footage has emerged of Kylian Mbappé, donning Madrid-themed training gear, perfecting his dead-ball technique on the practice ground.
The video, now making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter), captured the French star curling efforts around mannequins with purpose and precision.
The training clip is more than just a warm-up - it's symbolic. Declan Rice’s free kick masterclass in the first leg seems to have left an impression.
Has Mbappe scored from free kicks before?
Mbappé, whose set-piece record has often been questioned, seems determined to broaden his offensive arsenal in time for the must-win encounter.
While he did deliver a memorable strike from a dead-ball situation against Leganés last month, there is a technical twist.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) rules, via the FA, 'the ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves'.
In that instance, Mbappé rolled the ball to Fran García before finishing, classifying it under open play rather than a direct free kick.
What lies ahead for Real Madrid, Mbappe?
Regardless of the finer details, the former PSG talisman won’t be hung up on semantics.
For him, it’s about delivering when it matters most - and if those practice-ground curlers help Madrid claw their way back, they’ll be worth their weight in gold.
Source: Getty Images
Beyond Mbappé’s mission, there’s a collective sense of purpose in the Real Madrid camp.
The squad looks sharp, determined, and emotionally charged - all the necessary ingredients for a trademark Bernabéu comeback.
With the crowd set to play its part and the stakes at their highest, Los Blancos are hoping to weave yet another magical night into their Champions League folklore.
Vinicius sends veiled message to Arsenal
YEN.com.gh also reported on Vinicius' bold message to Thomas Partey’s Arsenal ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter.
The Real Madrid star posted a two-word caption on Instagram just a day before the second-leg game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
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Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.
Bruce Douglas (Senior Copyeditor) Bruce Douglas has 13 years of experience in community media, including coverage of sports, human interest, crime and politics.
