7M - Kylian Mbappé Blasts Real Madrid Following Defeat to Benfica

Just as Real Madrid appeared to be finding their stride under their new manager, the Spanish heavyweights endured a disastrous result at the Estádio da Luz. The loss laid bare critical shortcomings in the side and has thrown their Champions League campaign into significant disarray.

Mbappé Lashes Out at the Team’s Performance, Slams Trubin’s Late Goal
Speaking to reporters post-match, Mbappé did not hold back on the team’s lackluster showing, noting their failed objective to secure a top-eight finish and avoid additional knockout stage fixtures. “Our clear aim was to finish in the top eight to skip the extra matches. We got off to a dreadful start in the game; they were fully deserving of scoring first and were far superior in the first half,” the French forward stated.

Mbappé upped the ante in his criticism of the team’s display, going as far as to label the late goal conceded to Anatoliy Trubin as a humiliating moment. “If we’d gone into halftime trailing 5-1, nobody would have been shocked. That last goal we let in is just embarrassing,” he added.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star pinpointed a lack of drive and team unity as the core issues for Real Madrid’s poor performance—qualities that José Mourinho’s Benfica side showcased in spades throughout the match. “This isn’t just about attitude, it’s every single thing. If you don’t give your all in a Champions League game, you’re going to get found out,” Mbappé emphasized.

Mbappé Makes a Plea to Real Madrid’s Supporters
Despite his palpable frustration with the Champions League defeat, Mbappé pleaded with the club’s fans to rally around the team ahead of their forthcoming La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“We want them to turn up ready to back the team, because today’s match was terrible, but these are two completely different competitions. We haven’t been eliminated from the Champions League, and we’re in strong shape in La Liga. Rayo is a tough opponent, but if the Bernabéu is with us, I’m confident we’ll get the win,” he said.

Champions League Playoff Fixture Dates Confirmed
With the result consigning Real Madrid to the Champions League knockout playoffs, the competition now moves into its two-legged knockout stage (the Final being the sole exception to this format). The key dates for the playoff ties are set as follows:
- First legs: February 17–18, 2026
- Second legs: February 24–25, 2026