The Spanish media have posted eye-opening footage of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe following Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Thursday.
Real Madrid won the match thanks to goals either side of half-time from Gonzalo Garcia and Bellingham, but the three points were ultimately meaningless following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona which saw their fierce rivals crowned champions of Spain for the second consecutive season.
Los Blancos, marred by a series of incidents in recent weeks, are currently a club in crisis. The team’s disgruntled fans whistled Mbappe loudly at the Bernabeu on Thursday night as he entered the fray as a second-half substitute. Watch the footage below:
Mbappe upset supporters by failing to be available for last weekend’s decisive Clasico, despite going on a mid-season vacation while he was recovering from injury.
Arbeloa Reponds to Mbappe's 'Fourth Choice' Claim
Alvaro Arbeloa
Alvaro Arbeloa
After the win over Real Oviedo, Mbappe told reporters, per AS: “I haven’t played because the manager told me that for him I’m the fourth forward in the squad, Ask the manager. I was ready to start but it’s his decision. I can’t be angry with the manager; I have to respect his opinion. I have to work hard and wait for my chance to start.”
Mbappe insists he’s currently behind Vinicius Jr, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono in the pecking order, despite scoring 41 goals in 42 games for Real Madrid this season.
Real Madrid’s current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa disputed Mbappe’s claim, telling reporters, per Managing Madrid: “I wish I had four strikers. I don’t know what to say. I don’t have four strikers, and I didn’t say that. He probably didn’t understand me; I’m not really sure what to say.”
The Spaniard added: “I said that a player who couldn’t even make the bench four days ago should come on in the second half. He’ll start on Sunday. Gonzalo deserved to play today; I understand that those who don’t start aren’t happy. But as long as I’m in this position, I’m going to make the decisions. If they like it, fine; if not, they can wait until next time.”
Kylian Mbappe Related
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Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe
After the full-time whistle, Spanish outlet Marca posted footage to X (Twitter) which appeared to show an awkward moment between Mbappe and Bellingham.
“The match is ending and Mbappe heads off alone to the locker rooms,” Marca wrote in the caption. “Even Bellingham walks past him and doesn't even look at him!” Watch the footage below:
It’s clear that Mbappe has work to do in order to repair relationships at Real Madrid. The France superstar, who is one of the contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, is expected to remain at the Bernabeu beyond this summer, although Thursday has cast some doubts over his future.
It was revealed last week that Manchester City are currently the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Mbappe, followed by Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.