There was a worry, last summer, that Real Madrid had bought a striker for a system that did not need one. Vinícius and Rodrygo had spent two years perfecting a fluid, positionless attack. Where does Mbappé fit in?

The answer, it turns out, was: at centre forward, but only nominally. Carlo Ancelotti has spent the season patiently teaching the Frenchman the art of doing less, and the result is a player who looks more dangerous than ever despite touching the ball less often.

Watch closely on the build-up to his goals and a pattern emerges. Mbappé is not roaming. He is occupying. Holding centre backs hostage so that Bellingham can find space in the half-spaces, so that Vinícius can isolate his full back, so that Valverde can run unchecked from deep.

It is, by Mbappé's own electric standards, almost restrained. And it is working.