Kylian Mbappe was one of the few Real Madrid players who stepped up following the humiliating defeat against Benfica.
While dissatisfaction swept the group, the French forward chose honesty above comfort, providing a harsh evaluation of a performance that has sparked new concerns within the club.
Despite scoring twice on the night, Mbappe made it obvious that individual goals meant little in the context of a team performance that fell far short of expectations.
Speaking after the game, Mbappe recognized that Madrid fell short of the basic requirements expected in such an important match.
“What we did today wasn’t typical. We had a clear goal of finishing in the top eight to play two fewer games and lighten the strain, but we started very poorly,” Mbappe told SPORT.
A bad display.
The striker then focused on the first half, during which Benfica dominated for long stretches and exposed Madrid’s defensive and tactical flaws.
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According to Mbappe, the home team deserved their early lead.
“They deserved to score first. We had one chance and scored. I assumed that would get us into the game, but it did the reverse.
“They were better and if they had gone into the break 5-1 up, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone.”
After the break, Real Madrid attempted to reply, but Mbappe agreed that it lacked coherence and control.
The Frenchman believed that one pivotal moment completely eliminated any chances of a comeback.
“We came out with the goal to change what had transpired. We scored a goal that hurts a little because it came from a direct play, and the game ended.
“When you’re down a goal, you try to push, but your opponent wastes time, which is part of the game.” “We didn’t set the pace or demonstrate enough creativity to create clear opportunities,” he said.
Goal from Benfica’s keeper
Mbappe addressed the final goal conceded by Benfica’s goalie, highlighting Madrid’s chaotic performance.
“The fourth goal doesn’t change anything, but it’s a bit embarrassing.”
Looking beyond the defeat, Mbappe outlined what he sees as a broader problem for Real Madrid this season: a lack of consistency.
He acknowledged that there are no easy solutions, but emphasized that the problem cannot continue.
“I do not have a clear explanation. Our play lacks consistency, which is something we must address.
“We can’t be on one day and off the next, that’s not what a championship team does,” he informed us.
Despite the harsh criticism, Mbappe finished on a strong note, telling fans that Madrid’s European campaign is far from over and urging for togetherness at a critical juncture.
“We are still in the competition and are having a nice run in La Liga. I invite the Bernabéu to come and support the team.
“If they’re with us, we’ll play a good game on Sunday [against Rayo Vallecano],” he told reporters.
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