Tension is rising around Real Madrid after a season full of ups and downs. With their recent elimination from the Champions League and a four-point gap behind the LaLiga leaders, Los Blancos are going through one of their most complicated periods in recent years. And as usual in difficult moments, the fans are looking for someone to blame… and some have pointed the finger at Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé, targeted at the Bernabéu

During the league match against Athletic Club, played on Sunday, April 20, Mbappé —who missed the game due to suspension— appeared on the stadium screens watching the game from the stands alongside his mother. His image sparked a wave of boos and whistles from the more frustrated sectors of the Santiago Bernabéu, in a clear sign of discontent.

However, not everyone agrees. Álvaro Benito, a former Real Madrid player and now an analyst, defended the French forward in statements to Mundo Deportivo, assuring that Mbappé has been one of the few players performing at a good level this season.

“He's above the team's overall level,” said Benito. “There are more than 20 players who should hide before Mbappé. In the end, people always demand more from those who can give more. But both he and Vinícius have been unfairly scapegoated for the team's poor performances.”

“The problem goes far beyond the attack”

Benito also pointed to other worrying aspects of Real Madrid’s game, particularly in their performance without the ball. According to the former player, tactical disconnection and lack of collective effort have directly affected the team’s results.

He added that a deep analysis will be necessary once the season ends, regardless of whether the team manages to win a title like the Copa del Rey or beats Barcelona in LaLiga.

“No matter how the season ends, a thorough review must be done. This team needs a complete overhaul,” he concluded.

With rumors suggesting Carlo Ancelotti might leave at the end of the season, the future of Real Madrid’s bench is also uncertain. In that scenario, Xabi Alonso is emerging as the top candidate to lead a new era at the club.

For now, Real Madrid fans remain divided between the demand for immediate results and the need for a complete rebuild.