Mbappe Slams Real Madrid Teammates After Benfica Defeat

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has openly criticized his teammates for their lack of “desire” and questioned whether the squad can truly be called a “team of champions” after a painful defeat to Benfica left Los Blancos facing the Champions League play-offs.

Kylian Mbappe Demands More from Real Madrid After UCL Setback

Kylian Mbappe set the tone early in the match at Estadio da Luz, putting Real Madrid ahead. However, Real’s early optimism quickly faded as Benfica, managed by José Mourinho, turned the game around, eventually winning 4-2. Most notably, Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Turbin scored a dramatic 98th-minute header, sealing Real Madrid’s fate and pushing them into ninth place in the league phase—far from the top-eight finish that would have secured a direct path to the UCL Round of 16.

Mbappe didn’t mince words in his post-match comments. “It isn’t about quality or tactics. It’s about having more desire than your opponent,” he said. “You could see that everything was on the line for Benfica, and you couldn’t see that for us, and that’s a problem.”

Real Madrid’s Struggles Raise Questions About Team Spirit

The Champions League play-offs now loom for Real Madrid, adding extra fixtures to a calendar already packed tight after a turbulent season. Under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, following Xabi Alonso’s departure, the Spanish giants have struggled for consistency. A humiliating Copa del Rey exit at the hands of Albacete was followed by erratic league form and European struggles.

Mbappe, who has scored 36 goals in 29 appearances this season, expects his teammates to match his own high standards. Yet, as he pointed out, “We’re not consistent. We can’t perform one day and not the next. A team of champions doesn’t do that.”

Embarrassing Goal Highlights Real Madrid’s Defensive Issues

The concession of a last-minute goal to Benfica’s goalkeeper was a symbol of Real Madrid’s current malaise. “The fourth goal doesn’t change anything, but it’s a bit embarrassing,” Mbappe admitted. The French star was also critical of the team’s poor start and lack of creativity: “We had a clear goal of finishing in the top eight, but we started very poorly. If Benfica had gone into the break 5-1 up, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone.”

Mbappe’s Frustration Grows as Season Unravels

Reports from Spain suggest that Mbappe is becoming increasingly frustrated with what he sees as a lack of professionalism and responsibility from some teammates. With significant off-field changes and on-pitch inconsistency, pressure is building at Madrid. The squad now faces the possibility of having to confront Benfica again in the play-off round, or potentially Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, depending on the upcoming draw.

Champions League Play-Off Awaits Real Madrid

With two more crucial fixtures ahead before the knockout stages, Real Madrid have little time to regroup. The next domestic test comes against Rayo Vallecano, while the Champions League play-off opponents will be revealed soon. For Real Madrid, this period will be a true test of resilience, unity, and the “desire” that Mbappe so publicly demands.

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Opinion: A Wake-Up Call for Real Madrid

In my view, Mbappe’s candid criticism should serve as a wake-up call for Real Madrid. The loss to Benfica exposed not just tactical frailties, but a worrying lack of hunger and togetherness. If Real Madrid are to reclaim their status as true champions of Europe, a collective response is needed—one that matches Mbappe’s intensity and ambition both on and off the pitch.