After elimination against Bayern, Arbeloa defends Mbappé.
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa has come to the defense of French forward Kylian Mbappé, who faced criticism following the Madrid club’s exit from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich.
Arbeloa: “Mbappé Was at His Best”
In a press conference, Arbeloa stated, “I have no complaints about Kylian. He performed at a high level, scoring in every match and constantly putting pressure on the opposing defense.”
The Spanish manager also highlighted the player’s impact in offensive phases: “He significantly aided us in counterattacks. He demonstrated great defensive commitment and put in tremendous effort. I am completely satisfied with his performance.”
A Decisive Player Despite the Elimination
Arbeloa emphasized Mbappé’s offensive role: “He was a constant threat to Bayern Munich. This is the Mbappé we want to see every day.”
These remarks come as the 27-year-old French forward has faced scrutiny in Spain for his perceived lack of defensive involvement, despite an impressive season totaling 40 goals across all competitions, including 15 in the Champions League.
A Frustrating Exit for Real Madrid
Real Madrid was eliminated after a dramatic two-leg tie: losing 1-2 in the first leg and 3-4 in the return match. The second leg was particularly notable for the red card issued to Eduardo Camavinga in the dying minutes of the match.
Despite solid offensive performances, the Madrid club finds itself exiting the competition once again before reaching the semi-finals.
