Kylian Mbappe was one of the very few Real Madrid players who fronted up after the damaging defeat against Benfica.
While frustration was written across the squad, the French forward chose honesty over comfort, offering a critical assessment of a performance that has raised fresh concerns inside the club.
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Despite scoring twice on the night, Mbappe made it clear that individual goals meant little when the collective display fell so far below expectations.
Speaking after the final whistle, Mbappe admitted that Madrid failed to meet the basic standards required in a game of such importance.
“What we did today was not normal. We had a clear goal of finishing in the top eight to have two fewer games and lighten the load, but we started very poorly,” explained Mbappe, as reported by SPORT.
A poor display
The striker then turned his attention to the first half, where Benfica dominated large periods and exposed Madrid’s defensive and tactical issues.
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According to Mbappe, the home side were fully deserving of their early advantage.
“They deserved to score first. We had one chance and scored. I thought that would get us into the game, but it was the opposite.
“They were better and if they had gone into the break 5-1 up, it wouldn’t have surprised anyone.”
After the interval, Real Madrid attempted to respond, but Mbappe admitted that the reaction lacked clarity and control.
The Frenchman felt that one key moment effectively ended any hope of a comeback.
Mbapep was certainly not happy with the performance. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
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“We came out with the intention of changing what had happened. We scored a goal that hurts a little because it came from a direct play, and from there the game was over.
“When you’re a goal down, you try to push, but the opponent wastes time and that’s part of the game. We didn’t set the pace or show enough creativity to create clear chances,” he lamented.
Goal from Benfica’s keeper
Mbappe was even more direct when addressing the final goal conceded, a moment that summed up the chaos of Madrid’s night.
”The fourth goal doesn’t change anything, but it’s a bit embarrassing.”
Looking beyond the defeat itself, Mbappe explained what he sees as a deeper issue affecting Real Madrid this season: a lack of consistency.
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He admitted there are no easy answers, but stressed that the problem cannot continue.
“I don’t have a clear explanation. We don’t have continuity in our play and that’s something we have to fix.
“We can’t be on one day and off the next, that’s not what a championship team does,” he said.
Despite the heavy criticism, Mbappe ended on a note of determination, reminding fans that Madrid’s European campaign is not over and calling for unity at a crucial moment.
“We’re not out of the competition, and we’re on a good run in La Liga. I ask the Bernabéu to come and support the team.
“If they’re with us, we’ll play a good game on Sunday [against Rayo Vallecano],” he concluded.