Harsh Criticism for Kylian Mbappé Following Clasico Defeat
In the aftermath of Real Madrid's disappointing 4-0 loss to FC Barcelona in the latest Clasico, the Spanish press has directed significant criticism towards Kylian Mbappé. The French forward's performance was notably underwhelming, as he failed to score and was flagged offside eight times, leading to a wave of harsh assessments from Madrid-based media. Marca labeled him as 'not yet at the expected level', indicating a stark contrast to his previous performances. The publication awarded him a mere 3/10 rating, reflecting a broader sentiment that he is struggling to adapt to the demands of La Liga, as echoed by Diario As, which described his performance as an 'individual cataclysm'.
Despite the collective failure of the team, Mbappé's struggles have been highlighted as emblematic of Real Madrid's current woes. Columnists have pointed out that the expectations at Real Madrid are significantly higher than those during his time at PSG, emphasizing that being merely above average is insufficient. Comparisons were drawn with Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski, who shone with two goals during the match, further underscoring Mbappé's lack of impact.
Clasico Lineups and Match Context
The Clasico, which took place at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, featured star-studded lineups from both teams. Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, fielded a 4-4-2 diamond formation, missing key players like Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo due to injuries. Mbappé was anticipated to be a focal point in the attack alongside Vinicius Jr., but his performance fell short of expectations.
On the other side, FC Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, maintained the same lineup that had recently triumphed over Bayern Munich, showcasing their strong form. The match not only highlighted the rivalry between the two clubs but also set the stage for Mbappé to demonstrate his skills, which ultimately did not materialize.
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on Mbappé to deliver at a level that matches the high standards of Real Madrid, especially in crucial fixtures like the Clasico.
