The Santiago Bernabéu faithful are reeling after Real Madrid's abysmal performance against Benfica, a stunning 4-2 defeat that saw star man Kylian Mbappé deliver a scathing indictment of his team's 'lack of desire' and 'inconsistency'. This shocking result has plunged Los Blancos into the European play-offs, a fate far below their colossal ambitions.
Key Takeaways from Madrid's European Setback
- Real Madrid finished ninth in the league phase, missing automatic progression to the last 16.
- Kylian Mbappé openly criticized his teammates for their "lack of desire" and branded them "not a team of champions".
- Benfica, led by former Blancos coach Jose Mourinho, secured a crucial 4-2 victory, including a goal from goalkeeper Anatoliy Turbin.
- Los Blancos now face a challenging European play-off round in February, jeopardizing their continental ambitions.
A Night of Shame in Lisbon
Real Madrid's quest for an automatic last-16 spot crumbled dramatically at the Estadio da Luz. Under interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, following the sacking of Xabi Alonso, the team rarely looked in control. Despite Mbappé's opening goal, Los Blancos found themselves trailing by half-time, constantly chasing a game they ultimately surrendered 4-2.
Their inability to secure a top-eight finish means a gruelling play-off round awaits. This is a significant blow for a club that expects to dominate Europe.
Mbappé's Blistering Post-Match Assessment
Kylian Mbappé pulled no punches in his post-match comments, directly challenging his teammates' commitment. "It isn't about quality, and it isn't about tactics," he declared. "It's about having more desire than your opponent."
The French superstar highlighted Benfica's hunger, a quality he felt was glaringly absent from his own side. He expressed frustration over the team's inconsistency, stating, "We aren't being consistent in our play. A team of champions doesn't do that."
Humiliation Compounded: The Goalkeeper's Goal
Adding insult to injury, Real Madrid conceded their fourth goal to Benfica's Ukrainian goalkeeper, Anatoliy Turbin, in the 98th minute. "The fourth goal doesn't change anything, but it's a bit embarrassing," Mbappé admitted, underscoring the team's defensive frailties and lack of urgency.
Mbappé lamented the poor start, conceding that Benfica deserved their lead. He noted that even his early goal couldn't spark the necessary fight. The sheer dominance of the Portuguese side, particularly in the first half, was a stark warning sign for Madrid.
The Champion's Mentality Under Scrutiny
Reports from Spain suggest Mbappé is growing increasingly frustrated with what he perceives as an irresponsible attitude from some teammates. With 36 goals in 29 appearances this season, his demanding personal standards clash sharply with the collective's wavering commitment. This defeat, and the manner of it, has raised serious questions about the champion's mentality within the squad.
What's Next for Los Blancos?
Real Madrid will learn their play-off opponents – either Benfica or Bodo/Glimt – during Friday's draw. The play-offs will force them to play additional, high-stakes matches in February, disrupting their desired training schedule.
Before that, they return to La Liga action this Sunday, hosting Rayo Vallecano. The pressure is now immense to rebound swiftly and demonstrate the consistent desire that Mbappé and the fans demand.
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