Mbappe Describes Real Madrid's European Performance as "A Farce" After Loss to Benfica
January 29, 2026255 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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Kylian Mbappe, the star of Real Madrid, expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the team's performance during the match against Benfica in the Champions League, describing what happened as "a farce" due to the lack of fighting spirit and genuine desire to win.
Mbappe's comments came after the Spanish team lost 4-2 to Benfica in the final round of the group stage, forcing Real Madrid to enter the playoff for qualification to the Round of 16 instead of qualifying directly.
Criticism Focuses on Spirit and Will
Mbappe clarified that the main issue was not technical or tactical, but rather the absence of will and drive on the field, emphasizing: "It's not about quality or plans, but about will," and added that the team lacked "the spirit required in a match of this magnitude."
He described the fourth goal conceded by Real Madrid in the last half as "a farce," pointing out that Benfica could have taken a larger lead earlier in the match.
Comparison with Benfica
Mbappe noted that Benfica players seemed to be fighting "a battle of life and death," while Real Madrid did not show the same strength or desire to compete, which directly reflected on the result and placed the team in ninth place in their group.
Disappointment Over Performance Fluctuations
Mbappe expressed his disappointment over the team's fluctuating performance from one match to another, stressing that a team aspiring to win the Champions League cannot deliver a strong performance in one match and then falter in another, describing this inconsistency as unacceptable.
Real Madrid Still in the Race
Despite the harsh criticism, Real Madrid remains in the European race through the playoff qualifying for the Round of 16, where they will face one of the teams participating in this stage, after securing their position due to Benfica's goal difference.
