Self-criticism reaches the white locker room
A day after the crash in Lisbon, the atmosphere in Valdebebas is one of reflection. The 4-2 defeat against Benfica was not only a result, it was a mirror. And neither its stars nor its coach liked what it reflected on Madrid.
Kylian Mbappé, scorer of the two Merengue goals, was the clearest. There were no detours.
“In football the matches start at minute 0 and not at minute 45, so in the end the defeat is deserved,” said the Frenchman. “I can’t say it’s not deserved because we haven’t played to win this game.”
His diagnosis was forceful: lack of attitude. While Benfica “risked their lives” to get into the top 24, Madrid seemed not to understand the urgency. A draw was enough to secure a place in the top eight and a direct pass to the second round. They didn’t make it.
Arbeloa bears the responsibility
In front of the microphones, Álvaro Arbeloa did what good captains do when the ship takes on water: take the helm of guilt.
“I haven’t been able to give the players the level I wanted them to give,” the coach admitted. “If the team does not perform at the level, the responsibility is always mine.”
It is that type of statement that cuts any possible controversy dead in its tracks. The message is clear: this was a collective failure, starting with the bench.
But in football there is no time for regrets. The calendar is relentless and this Sunday another capital classic arrives: Rayo Vallecano at home.
That’s where the answer will be seen. Madrid arrives with five consecutive wins in the League and just one point behind Barcelona. El Rayo, on the other hand, is fighting to get out of the low positions. It seems like a perfect recipe to rediscover victory.
Meanwhile, their great Blaugrana rival is already in the Champions League round of 16 and visits Elche this Saturday. The pressure to stay on track in the domestic race is total.
Casualties and a new battle off the field
In sports, Madrid hopes to recover Rüdiger and Alexander-Arnold. Outside the four lines, La Liga has declared war on illegal broadcasts: it will offer 50 euros for each verified complaint against bars or venues that broadcast matches without permission.
A different battle, but just as important for the industry. For now, Madrid has to fight theirs on the pitch. And after what was seen in Lisbon, he has a lot to prove.
