Lisbon – April 17, 2024 – Kylian Mbappé didn’t mince words after Real Madrid’s lackluster performance in a 4-2 defeat to Benfica on Wednesday, a result that knocked the Spanish giants out of contention for the Champions League top eight and into a playoff for the knockout stage next month.
Mbappé Criticizes Madrid’s Desire After Champions League Setback
The French superstar questioned Real Madrid’s commitment following a disappointing loss that highlighted a troubling inconsistency.
- Kylian Mbappé publicly criticized Real Madrid’s lack of desire during their 4-2 loss to Benfica.
- The defeat means Madrid will now have to compete in a playoff to reach the Champions League knockout stage.
- Benfica secured their place in the playoffs with a dramatic 98th-minute winning goal.
- Madrid have now lost three of their eight league phase games this season.
Mbappé, who scored twice at the Estadio da Luz – bringing his Champions League tally to 13 goals this season – felt a stark contrast in motivation between the two sides. “It isn’t about quality, and it isn’t about tactics,” Mbappé told journalists in the post-match mixed zone. “It’s about having more desire than your opponent.”
He continued, observing a clear disparity in effort. “You could see that everything was on the line for Benfica, and you couldn’t see that for us, and that’s a problem. Before the game, both teams had something to play for: us being in the top eight, and Benfica being among the 24. We saw it from Benfica, but you didn’t see it from us.”
What does it take to win in the Champions League? Mbappé emphasized that success in the competition demands unwavering focus and intensity, stating, “In the Champions League every detail is important if you want to win. Benfica showed that if you don’t come here with everything you need to win a Champions League game, your opponent will destroy you.”
Madrid’s season has been marked by upheaval, including the recent departure of coach Xabi Alonso. While the team had shown signs of improvement under Álvaro Arbeloa, including a 2-0 win at Villarreal in LaLiga last weekend, Wednesday’s performance was a significant step backward.
“I don’t have a clear explanation,” Mbappé admitted. “It wasn’t the same [at Benfica] as against Villarreal, and that’s a problem. We aren’t being consistent in our play. We have to solve that. We can’t do it one day, and then not another. A team of champions doesn’t do that.”
The playoff situation is a frustrating setback. “We have two more games, and that hurts a bit. We wanted to have time in February to work on our play, and instead we’ll play the playoffs.”
Madrid’s three losses in the league phase came against Liverpool, Manchester City, and now Benfica. Midfielder Jude Bellingham echoed Mbappé’s disappointment, stating, “Obviously it’s horrible to lose in this manner. I don’t have much to say right now, I’m not sure what to think. We have so much talent, but we need the same mentality, whoever we’re playing.”
Coach Arbeloa acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “I’d like to say it was just one thing, but it was a lot of aspects,” he said. “The duels, with the ball, without the ball. We were a long way from what we can be. We have a lot to improve.”
Madrid will face either Benfica again or Bodo/Glimt in the playoff, with the draw scheduled for Friday.
