Real Madrid’s recent La Liga encounter against Athletic Club proved to be a challenging match, and while the performance was a focal point, it was Kylian Mbappe who found himself in the spotlight, despite not being a part of the squad.
The French superstar, who has been in top scoring form this season with 33 goals to his name, was met with an unexpected reaction from some sections of the Santiago Bernabeu.
The situation unfolded in the 18th minute when the cameras displayed Mbappe watching the game from a box on the stadium’s video scoreboard.
The reaction from the fans was immediate and audible: a chorus of whistles rang out, directed at the player.
While his on-field contributions have been undeniable, some fans have been left frustrated, perhaps expecting even more from the prolific forward.
Why was Mbappe absent?
Mbappe’s absence from the match against Athletic Club was due to a combination of factors. Firstly, he was serving a one-match suspension after receiving a direct red card in the previous match against Alaves.
🚨 The official broadcast showed Kylian Mbappé's face on the screen. Some of the fans at the Bernabéu started to whistle. pic.twitter.com/vhGXPwVcaJ
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) April 20, 2025
Secondly, the French forward is dealing with a slight ankle sprain, which forced him to leave the field during the match against Arsenal with 15 minutes remaining.
Thankfully, the injury is not considered serious, and he is expected to be fit for next Saturday’s Cup final. However, his recovery may keep him out of the upcoming fixture against Getafe on Wednesday.
Ancelotti’s resolve and the fans’ frustration
As the match progressed, the atmosphere at the Bernabeu remained tense, with frustration not only directed at Mbappe but also at manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite the mounting pressure, Ancelotti remained composed and focused, giving clear instructions to his team. His firmness reflected his commitment to the team, even if the fans’ discontent was made evident.
While the team faces challenges both on and off the pitch, with the absence of key players like Mbappe and the mounting criticism of Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s resolve will be tested in the coming weeks.
As always, the Santiago Bernabeu will demand nothing less than success, and both the manager and the players will need to find a way to silence the critics and deliver the results the fans expect.
