Masterful Mbappe strikes twice

Kylian Mbappe scored twice in three minutes and teenager Franco Mastantuono made his scoring debut with Real Madrid in a 4-1 win at Levante in the Spanish league on Tuesday, a result that extended the club's winning run.

Vinicius Junior also found the net for Madrid as Los Blancos earned a sixth straight league victory this season.

"We played a very complete game," Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said. "We need to keep this momentum. This is just the beginning and we want to keep competing well.

"It was a very good game, from the start, we were really committed in defense, and the first goal was fundamental to go ahead and give us confidence."

Mbappe scored Madrid's third goal by converting a 64th-minute penalty kick — Panenka style — after he was fouled inside the area.

The France international added the fourth in the 66th after getting past the goalkeeper and finding the open net. The goals took Mbappe's total to nine in seven matches with Madrid this season. He also scored twice in two matches with France's national team.

The 18-year-old Mastantuono, signed from River Plate in the summer and, making his fifth start for Madrid, scored in the 38th minute with a shot from inside the area into the top right corner.

"I was waiting for this goal," he said. "It helps me gain even more confidence within the squad."

Vinicius, who had complained about being substituted by Alonso in the team's previous match, had put Madrid ahead with a neat strike into the far corner in the 28th. The Brazil forward hadn't scored in his last three matches.

"He had a decisive performance," Alonso said of Vinicius.

Levante pulled closer with a Karl Etta Eyong header from close range in the 54th, in what was the team's first attempt on target.

Madrid is the only team in La Liga to have won all of its six league matches this season. It also won its Champions League opener against Marseille.

The latest victory increased Madrid's lead to five points over defending champion Barcelona, which is set to visit newly promoted Oviedo on Thursday.

"There are still things we can do better, but we're on a good path and we have to continue along it," said Alonso, with his side set to face crosstown rival Atletico on Saturday.

"We're in a construction phase. There's still a lot we have to do.

"We're building a solid base, and, in the team, many players feel connected and important."

Levante, also promoted to the top division this season, was winless in its first four matches, but was coming off a 4-0 victory at Girona in the previous round.

Madrid and Levante wore specially designed jerseys to celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages.