Arbeloa backs Kylian Mbappe amid Real Madrid scrutiny

Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped firmly in defence of Kylian Mbappe, rejecting criticism directed at the forward following the club’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich.

The Spanish side’s exit came after a dramatic 4-3 second-leg defeat, which sealed a 6-4 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich. The contest swung decisively in the closing stages after Eduardo Camavinga’s late red card left Madrid with ten men, allowing Bayern to strike twice and close out the tie.

Much of the post-match discussion focused on Mbappe’s defensive contribution, with sections of the media questioning his work rate during key moments of the encounter. Arbeloa, however, dismissed those concerns entirely as he addressed reporters ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga fixture against Alaves.

“I have nothing to reproach Kylian about,” the coach said, making his stance clear. He further insisted that the forward “was at the top of his game, he scored in both legs and was a constant threat to their defence,” adding that he “gave his all in defence, and he worked really hard.”

Mbappe, who has now scored 40 goals across all competitions in his second season in Spain, found himself unable to prevent Madrid’s European exit despite contributing in both legs of the quarter-final. The defeat prolongs his wait for a Champions League title, the prize that influenced his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital.

The loss also adds to growing pressure on Arbeloa, whose team are expected to finish the campaign without silverware. Domestic rivals Barcelona currently lead Real Madrid by nine points in the LaLiga title race with just seven matches remaining, leaving little margin for recovery.

Despite speculation over his future, Arbeloa declined to address his position directly, noting that decisions regarding his tenure were “not in his hands.”

He did, however, argue that the squad does not require a “huge revolution” in order to rebound next season, signalling belief in continuity despite a challenging year.