Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe said his team failed to show the same hunger as Benfica in their 4–2 Champions League defeat on Wednesday. He also admitted the side is not showing the consistency expected from champions.
The loss denied Real Madrid an automatic place in the last 16. A 98th minute header from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin sealed the result, while the Portuguese side advanced to the playoffs on goal difference.
Mbappe scored twice in the match but remained critical of his team’s approach.
“It isn’t about quality, and it isn’t about tactics,” Mbappe told reporters.
“It’s about having more desire than your opponent.
“You could see that everything was on the line for Benfica, and you couldn’t see that for us, and that’s a problem.”
Real Madrid have gone through a difficult season. The campaign saw the departure of coach Xabi Alonso. Two weeks ago, the team also suffered a shock exit from the Spanish Cup after losing to second tier side Albacete.
Under new coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Real had won their previous three matches in all competitions. However, the defeat in Lisbon ended that run and raised fresh concerns.
“We aren’t being consistent in our play. We have to solve that,” Mbappe said.
“We can’t do it one day, and then not another. A team of champions doesn’t do that.”
Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga. They face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in their next league match.
