Mbappe's Disappointment: Real Madrid's Shocking Loss
Kylian Mbappe's frustration was palpable after Real Madrid's surprising 4-2 defeat against Benfica, a team managed by his former boss, Jose Mourinho. The match was particularly disappointing for the Spanish giants, especially because it featured an embarrassing moment when Benfica's goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, scored a dramatic last-minute goal. This incident highlighted the lack of urgency and consistency in Madrid's performance, something Mbappe pointed out post-game.
During the match, Real Madrid faced significant challenges, including the dismissal of two players, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo. With only nine players on the field, the team struggled to maintain momentum. "We played badly," Mbappe stated, emphasizing that even at 3-2, conceding a fourth goal was unacceptable, especially from a goalkeeper. "It’s embarrassing that the goalkeeper scored. It’s not normal," he expressed, showcasing the team's frustration.
Mbappe reflected on the team's performance, acknowledging their previous good form but lamenting their inability to sustain it. "A champion team can’t perform well one day and poorly the next," he said, indicating a need for greater consistency. The defeat left Real Madrid needing to fight through the knockout playoffs to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, something they had hoped to avoid.
The match also served as a reminder that Benfica was fighting for their place in the tournament. "Benfica were playing for their lives, and we didn’t look like we were playing for ours," Mbappe noted, pointing out the stark difference in determination between the two teams. He emphasized how important it is for a team to recognize the stakes of every match in such a prestigious tournament.
Looking ahead, Mbappe stressed the necessity of improvement for Real Madrid. "We’re missing a bit of everything," he lamented, underlining the importance of every detail in the Champions League. He urged his teammates to be better prepared for future challenges, as the stakes continue to rise in the knockout stages of the tournament.
