Spanish media make feelings clear on Kylian Mbappe after dismal performance against Arsenal
The Spanish media have made their feelings clear on Kylian Mbappe’s performance during Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final elimination against Arsenal.
Mbappe, 26, failed to make a positive impact on proceedings on Wednesday evening and saw his side crash out of the Champions League with a 2-1 home defeat (5-1 aggregate) against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal - thanks to strikes from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Real Madrid star had the ball in the net just minutes into the clash but was deemed to be offside.
The France international then thought he had won his side a first-half penalty before referee Francois Letexier overturned the decision after he was sent to the monitor.
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Almost fittingly, Mbappe left the field due to what appeared to be an injury following a challenge on Declan Rice 75 minutes into the match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After the game, the Spanish media gave their thoughts on Mbappe’s performance.
MARCA gave him a 4.5/10 match rating and wrote: “He appeared between the lines, but above all, he forced a penalty from Rice that VAR denied. He also tried from distance.
“He was more involved at the start of the second half. He even headed in one of Madrid's countless crosses into the box, a real highlight, although he had no chance of scaring Raya. To top off a poor night, he went off injured. He clearly wasn't the Mbappé we expected on nights like this.”
Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo explained: “It was his night, and the Frenchman barely had any chances other than a deflected shot. Disappointing."
AS added: “Mbappé failed to ignite, despite trying; the same goes for Vinicius. Ditto Bellingham, Rodrygo and Valverde. Changes came and went but the fresher legs failed to spark things, and eventually, the fans had enough.”
Real head coach Carlo Ancelotti also gave his thoughts on his side's performance shortly after full time.
“Arsenal were better than us in both games," said the Italian. "We tried everything in the tie. It could have changed with the penalty that was taken because it could have changed the momentum of the tie. But Arsenal defended well and we found it difficult to find space. In terms of intensity, we did better but it wasn't enough.”
“The team gave everything in terms of attitude," he added. "We weren't always able to do it. Compared to last year, we lacked a bit of collective attitude."
Arsenal will face PSG in the semi-finals of the competition while Inter Milan take on Barcelona for a spot in Munich's final on May 31.
Topics: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Champions League, Football
Luke Davies