Mbappé’s Double Saves Real Madrid, Pulisic Shines On Milan Return In Action-Packed Europe

Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable scoring run while Christian Pulisic made an influential return for AC Milan as a dramatic night across Europe saw several big clubs stumble and others strengthen their early-season campaigns.

Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, although the comfortable scoreline did not tell the full story. The France forward converted an early penalty before helping set up Álvaro Carreras for Madrid’s second. Jude Bellingham added another before half-time.

Rayo, however, turned the match into a nervous affair after the break. Sergio Camello pulled one back in the 51st minute and Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into several important saves as the visitors threatened to make a comeback. Home fans voiced their frustration before Mbappé settled the contest with a stoppage-time finish.

The brace took Mbappé to six La Liga goals in five matches, level with Barcelona's Raphinha and Rayo's Camello at the top of the scoring chart.

In Italy, Pulisic returned to action for Milan for the first time this season and immediately made an impact. Coming on at half-time with Milan 2-0 down to Lazio, the US international helped transform the match. His cross to the far post allowed Diego Moreira to score, and Moreira struck again from distance just two minutes later to secure a 2-2 draw.

Pulisic had been sidelined since suffering a bone bruise and microfractures to his tibia and fibula during the United States' World Cup exit in July.

The Premier League produced more surprises. Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 to move three points clear at the top, while Liverpool were held 0-0 by Fulham and Chelsea drew 2-2 with Hull.

In Germany, Borussia Dortmund and Freiburg maintained perfect starts with three wins from three. Dortmund beat Paderborn 3-0, while Freiburg crushed Borussia Mönchengladbach 5-0.

In Spain, Roberto Fernández and Yassir Zabiri both scored twice in victories for Espanyol and Racing Santander respectively. In France, Monaco were held 1-1 by Strasbourg, ending their perfect start.