In the world of soccer, few matches hold as much weight and anticipation as El Clásico—the showdown between eternal rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. As the two Spanish giants prepare to face off once again, all eyes are on one man: Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar’s long-awaited arrival at the Bernabéu was supposed to be the final piece of the puzzle for a Madrid side looking to dominate both domestically and in Europe. However, integrating a talent like Mbappé is never simple, and Los Blancos have struggled to hit their stride this season.
A Stuttering Start
Despite sitting second in LaLiga, just three points behind Barcelona, Real Madrid’s performances have been far from convincing. Draws against the likes of Real Mallorca, Las Palmas, and Atlético Madrid have seen valuable points dropped, while a 1-0 Champions League loss to Lille exposed the team’s frailties. The root of the problem? Finding the right balance with Mbappé in the lineup.
As midfielder Jude Bellingham candidly put it during a half-time talk: “You three, finish the attacks!” The young Englishman’s words, directed at Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo Goes, perfectly encapsulate the challenge facing coach Carlo Ancelotti. How do you unleash the full potential of your attacking stars without leaving the midfield exposed?
Defensive Duties
One key aspect that has suffered with Mbappé’s arrival is the team’s defensive work rate. Last season, Ancelotti praised his players’ “collective commitment” as the foundation of their success. However, data shows that Mbappé and Vinícius have been among the LaLiga forwards who spend the most time walking during games, with the Frenchman ranking 60th out of 123 in distance covered.
While it would be unfair to ignore Mbappé’s impressive offensive output—he has scored six goals and created 10 chances in nine LaLiga appearances—his defensive contributions pale in comparison to other forwards like Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann or Robert Lewandowski.
A Midfield in Flux
The absence of key players has also played a role in Madrid’s inconsistent form. Injuries to the likes of Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Brahim Díaz have disrupted the team’s rhythm, while the departures of Nacho Fernández and Toni Kroos have left gaps in defense and midfield.
Kroos’ retirement, in particular, has been keenly felt. The German maestro’s ability to dictate the tempo and bring order to the team has been sorely missed, with youngsters Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde shouldering more responsibility as a result. Ancelotti has also been forced to rely more heavily on 39-year-old Luka Modrić, a scenario that was not part of the plan.
Tactical Tweaks
In search of a solution, Ancelotti has experimented with various formations, from a three-man forward line to a more robust four-man midfield. The constant changes have led to some confusion on the pitch, with Tchouaméni’s positioning against Celta Vigo a prime example.
There’s been a change. Some players have left; others have arrived. You have to adapt, and it isn’t something [that takes] one or two months. It will get better.
– Thibaut Courtois
The Clásico Test
Despite the challenges, there are reasons for optimism in the Madrid camp. A win over Barcelona would see them draw level on points with their arch-rivals, setting up a thrilling title race. Moreover, avoiding defeat would equal Barça’s all-time LaLiga unbeaten record of 43 games.
As Ancelotti himself admitted, his team is not yet at 100%, but they are improving “little by little.” The question is, will that gradual progress be enough to overcome a formidable Barcelona side? With Mbappé and Vinícius leading the charge, anything is possible.
The stage is set for a Clásico clash that could define the season. For Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappé, it represents a chance to silence the doubters and prove that their partnership can indeed bring the success that so many have predicted. Only time will tell if they can rise to the occasion.
