Mbappe: 'Conceding a last-minute goal is a disgrace for Real Madrid'

Real Madrid endured a harsh loss to Benfica, Mbappe expressed anger over glaring errors, and meanwhile, Alvaro Arbeloa's squad confronts a tough test having to compete in the Champions League play-offs.

Kylian Mbappe clearly showed his dissatisfaction following Real Madrid's 2-4 loss to Benfica in the Champions League, despite scoring a brace himself. The French star witnessed his team make numerous critical mistakes, even finishing the match with only 9 players on the field.

Speaking to the media after the match, Mbappe candidly highlighted Real Madrid's issues: “We lacked consistency in our gameplay and that is something we must fix. Having to play in the play-offs is very painful, but Benfica deserved the win. The final goal was truly a shame for us. It didn’t change the outcome, but it made us even more embarrassed. We deserve to be where we are.”

Although Real Madrid lost, Mbappe still ended the 2025/26 Champions League group stage on an impressive note with a total of 13 goals, breaking the previous scoring record held by Cristiano Ronaldo at this stage of the competition.

From a professional perspective, coach Alvaro Arbeloa also did not hide his disappointment with his players' performance. He admitted: “Were we lacking intensity? Not just that, we were missing a lot more. Even the essence of football. Today, Real Madrid did not have the necessary elements. We faced a team that had to win to advance. Benfica attacked and defended very well. We failed in many aspects.”

The Spanish strategist also said he was not surprised by the opponent's strength: “I know Benfica’s level well and I was aware the atmosphere in the stadium would be very tough.”

Notably, the defeat against Benfica marked Real Madrid’s third loss in their last five matches under Alvaro Arbeloa. This puts “Los Blancos” in a difficult position, forcing them into the Champions League play-offs to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.