Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is not concerned about Kylian Mbappé's (minor) injury. The Frenchman scored during the home win against Alavés on Tuesday evening but was taken off shortly before the end.
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Real Madrid seemed to be coasting toward a routine victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, having established a 3-0 lead against their opponents thanks to goals from Lucas Vázquez, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo.
It was a display of dominance and attacking flair, with the home side looking in control for the majority of the match. Mbappé, the French superstar, once again showed his value to the team, scoring a crucial goal and playing a significant role in Real Madrid's offensive setup.
However, what seemed to be a comfortable evening for Los Blancos turned unexpectedly tense in the final stages. In a shocking turn of events, the visitors mounted an impressive comeback, scoring two quick goals in the space of two minutes, leaving the scoreline at 3-2 and putting the pressure back on Madrid. By this point, Mbappé was no longer on the field, having been substituted earlier in the match as a precaution. The Frenchman, who had reported feeling some discomfort in his thigh, asked to be taken off to avoid aggravating the issue. Ancelotti obliged, replacing him with Turkish midfielder Arda Güler.
After the match, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Mbappé’s condition. The Italian coach played down concerns, stating that the decision to remove Mbappé was purely precautionary. "Kylian is fine," Ancelotti reassured the media. "He had some minor complaints and wanted to be substituted to prevent anything serious. It was a cautious move, and we will assess him further to make sure he's in good shape." With Real Madrid set to face Atlético Madrid in the derby just four days later, keeping Mbappé fit is a top priority for Ancelotti, especially given the high stakes of the upcoming fixture.
The late scare against the visitors served as a reminder that even the most dominant teams are vulnerable if they lose focus. Real Madrid, who had controlled the game for much of the evening, suddenly found themselves on the back foot as their opponents clawed their way back into contention. The two goals conceded in quick succession highlighted some defensive frailties that Ancelotti will need to address before the derby. Despite this, the coach remained positive about the team's progress. "We are continuing to make steps forward and are still growing as a team. That’s a good sign," Ancelotti noted. "The schedule is demanding, but that’s the challenge of playing at this level. We have to be ready for it."
Ancelotti’s comments reflect his belief that the squad is evolving, particularly as new signings and younger players integrate into the team. Players like Jude Bellingham, who has made an immediate impact since his arrival, are still adjusting to the demands of Spanish football. Meanwhile, seasoned veterans like Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos continue to play pivotal roles, guiding the team through difficult moments. The balance between youth and experience is something Ancelotti will rely on as the season progresses.
However, the Spanish media was less forgiving. Newspapers like Marca and AS were quick to point out the team’s inconsistencies, especially in the final stages of the match. Marca ran a headline declaring, "Real is playing with fire," referring to the ease with which the visitors were able to make the game competitive again. The article went on to describe Real Madrid’s performance as a "rollercoaster," with the team dominating for large parts but then allowing complacency to creep in during critical moments. AS took a similar line, describing the match as "an incomplete symphony." They praised Real Madrid’s control and creativity for the first eighty minutes but criticized their inability to close out the game with the same authority. "Real shone for eighty minutes but desperately longed for the end of extra time," the paper wrote, emphasizing the tension that gripped the Bernabéu after the visitors’ late resurgence.
The critique from the press reflects a broader narrative around Real Madrid’s start to the season. Although the team has picked up important victories, there are concerns about their consistency and ability to maintain intensity for the full ninety minutes. This was particularly evident in their match against the visitors, where they allowed a comfortable lead to be threatened in the final moments. With a demanding schedule ahead, including the crucial derby against Atlético, Madrid will need to find a way to address these lapses in concentration.
Looking ahead to the Madrid derby, the stakes could not be higher. Matches between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid are always fiercely contested, and this one promises to be no different. Atlético, under Diego Simeone, will be eager to exploit any weaknesses in Madrid’s defense, particularly after seeing how vulnerable they were in the final minutes of their previous match. Ancelotti, for his part, will be focused on ensuring that his team does not repeat the same mistakes. The Italian coach will likely emphasize the importance of maintaining concentration and composure for the full duration of the game.
In addition to tactical adjustments, player fitness will be a key concern. Mbappé’s condition will be closely monitored in the days leading up to the derby, with Ancelotti hopeful that his star player will be ready to feature. The Frenchman’s impact on the team cannot be overstated, and his presence on the field could be crucial in deciding the outcome of the match. Ancelotti will also be counting on other key players, such as Vinícius Júnior, who has been in fine form, and Rodrygo, who continues to grow in confidence.
As the derby approaches, all eyes will be on Real Madrid to see how they respond to the challenges ahead. While the late scare against their previous opponents may have raised some questions, Ancelotti remains confident that his team is on the right path. The Madrid derby will serve as a major test, not only of Real Madrid’s title credentials but also of their ability to handle the pressure and expectation that comes with being one of Europe’s top clubs.
In the end, the outcome of the derby could shape the narrative for Real Madrid’s season. A convincing win against Atlético would go a long way in silencing critics and reaffirming their status as title contenders. However, another performance marred by defensive lapses or inconsistency could deepen concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. For Ancelotti and his players, the focus will be on ensuring that they bring their best to the derby and avoid the pitfalls that almost cost them in their previous match.
