Run or Leave: Mbappé Under Real Madrid's Microscope
6 April 2026
Match Context
The Spanish press has intensified the debate around Kylian Mbappé after his return from injury as Real Madrid faced Mallorca.
Mbappé started in the starting XI against Mallorca after his knee injury, but the match finished 2-1 to Mallorca, widening the gap to seven points behind Barcelona as Mbappé failed to score despite several chances.
Defensive Demands
While Mbappé's performance wasn't disastrous, several Spanish journalists argued that his defensive work remains below the expected standard and that he has yet to fully fit Real Madrid's philosophy.
On El Chiringuito, host Josep Pedrerol urged the coach Álvaro Arbeloa to direct harsher criticism of Mbappé's defensive commitment, echoing moves Luis Enrique reportedly made with him during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
Pedrerol added that Madrid fans want a genuine awakening and smarter handling of the white shirt.
Outlook and Reactions
Marca offered a more balanced view, noting that Madrid has shown positives even without Mbappé, but stressed the team still needs his goals in the decisive moments of the season.
The paper quoted: "Mbappé hasn't scored, unbelievable. Madrid needs his goals, and the team seemed to thrive with him, but his injury has also shown they can cope without him."
The discussion comes at a critical moment as Real Madrid chase the Champions League, with Mbappé's performances in the coming weeks likely to decide how successful his first season in the white jersey will be.
Run or Leave: two words that might define this saga.
If patience were a sprint, Madrid would hold the world record for delays.
If defense is a joke, Mbappé still hasn’t found the punchline.
