Mbappé Benched, Faces Criticism After Real Madrid Derby Win

Published: March 23, 2026

MADRID – Kylian Mbappé’s start to life at Real Madrid continues to be a talking point, but not necessarily for the reasons the club hoped. The French superstar was an unused substitute for much of Sunday’s crucial La Liga clash against Atlético Madrid, a 3-2 victory for Los Blancos and has since become the subject of intense scrutiny from Spanish media. While not injured, manager Álvaro Arbeloa opted to preserve Mbappé on the bench, a decision that has sparked debate and criticism, even as Real Madrid secured a vital win in their pursuit of league leaders Barcelona.

Arbeloa’s Rationale: A Calculated Risk

Arbeloa defended his decision to bench both Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, who was likewise returning from injury, as a “cautious approach” following recent injury lay-offs. The Real Madrid manager explained after the match that his intention was to be “unfair” to his players, believing that fostering a sense of competition and ensuring everyone feels valued is paramount. He added that managing a squad of world-class talents requires difficult decisions, even if it means leaving star players on the bench.

“That is my greatest goal as a coach: to be unfair and to perceive it, due to the fact that the players deserve much more,” Arbeloa stated. “That is my objective – that everyone feels they have my confidence, even though I will have to be unfair.”

Arbeloa expressed satisfaction with Brahim Díaz’s performance, who started in Mbappé’s place. Díaz had recently filled in for Mbappé in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 match against Manchester City, and Arbeloa praised his contributions both offensively, and defensively. The manager noted that Díaz “did everything we asked of him.”

A Leisurely Integration for a Superstar

Mbappé did enter the match in the 64th minute, replacing Thiago Pitarch, and Bellingham followed ten minutes later, subbing in for Arda Guler. This measured integration suggests Real Madrid is prioritizing a careful return to full fitness for both players, particularly with a tight schedule and the pursuit of both La Liga and Champions League titles still particularly much alive.

Despite being declared “100% fit” following a knee sprain, Arbeloa’s decision indicates a desire to avoid risking a recurrence of injury. The manager had previously confirmed that Mbappé would play against Atlético Madrid, but stopped short of guaranteeing a starting role.

Spanish Media Unleashes Criticism

The decision to bench Mbappé has not been well-received by some corners of the Spanish media. Reports indicate a harsh assessment of the forward’s impact when he did enter the game, with some outlets claiming he appeared to be “flâner sur la pelouse” – or “flâning on the pitch” – a criticism suggesting a lack of intensity and engagement. Other reports suggest Mbappé was “tabassé par les médias” – or “hammered by the media” – for his performance.

Ouest-France reported that Mbappé appeared to be going through the motions, while other outlets questioned his commitment and overall contribution to the team. The criticism highlights the intense pressure Mbappé faces as he attempts to establish himself in a fresh league and live up to the enormous expectations that accompany his transfer to Real Madrid.

What This Means for Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s win over Atlético Madrid keeps them in contention for the La Liga title, trailing Barcelona by four points with nine games remaining. The cautious approach with Mbappé and Bellingham suggests the club is prioritizing long-term success over immediate gains.

The integration of these key players will be crucial in the coming weeks, as Real Madrid faces a challenging schedule. Arbeloa will need to carefully manage their workload and ensure they are fully fit for the crucial matches ahead. Mbappé is expected to get more playing time with his national team, providing another opportunity to build his fitness and sharpness.

The situation also raises questions about the dynamic within the Real Madrid squad. Brahim Díaz’s strong performances have demonstrated his ability to contribute, and Arbeloa’s praise for the young Spaniard suggests he is a valuable asset. However, managing the egos and expectations of a team filled with world-class players will be a constant challenge for the manager.

Looking Ahead

Real Madrid’s next match is yet to be confirmed, but the club will undoubtedly be looking to build on their derby win and close the gap on Barcelona. The focus will be on continuing to integrate Mbappé and Bellingham into the team and ensuring they are fully fit for the challenges ahead. Arbeloa’s decisions will be under intense scrutiny, as he attempts to balance the needs of the team with the expectations of its star players.

Fans can expect continued updates on Mbappé’s progress and playing time through official Real Madrid channels. The club’s website and social media accounts will provide the latest news and information.