After Real Madrid’s heavy defeat against Benfica (4-2), Kylian Mbappé broke his silence. The French forward delivered a straightforward speech, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation.
Like last season, Real Madrid will have to take the playoff route to hope for an extended European adventure. Tonight, Kylian Mbappé’s teammates faced a cruel disappointment, losing to Benfica (4-2) in a match that will surely be remembered in Champions League history.
Trailing 3-2 in stoppage time, the Merengues conceded one last time to an improbable but decisive goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. A liberating moment for the Aguias, who secured their playoff qualification and eliminated Olympique de Marseille.
Ironically, Real Madrid could face this same Benfica again in the playoffs or challenge the Norwegians from Bodø/Glimt. Given tonight’s performance, there’s no guarantee the Spaniards will reach the Round of 16 this season. Kylian Mbappé, once again a shadow against the Portuguese, was fully aware of this. In the mixed zone, the French captain didn’t sugarcoat the reality:
“What we saw today is not normal. Our last goal conceded is a disgrace for us.”
“We lack a bit of everything”
With a brace that made him the top scorer of this Champions League phase with 13 goals in 7 matches, breaking a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappé had his mind on more than just personal stats. Clear-headed, he highlighted the deep issues within his team:
“Last week, we played well, but not today. We need consistency. We lack a bit of everything. It’s not just about attitude or play; it’s a global problem. In the Champions League, every detail counts. If we don’t give everything to win…”
Without making excuses, the Madrid forward acknowledged the lack of consistency and the collective responsibility:
“I don’t have a clear explanation. We can’t be good one day and bad the next; that’s not what a champion team does. It’s hard to accept, but we deserve our current position. Benfica played for their survival, and I didn’t see that from our side.”
A harsh assessment that now needs to translate into action within the Madrid locker room.
