Ancelotti Warns of Mbappe’s Dips in Performance at Real Madrid

After Kylian Mbappe let down Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League triumph against Atlético Madrid in midweek, Carlo Ancelotti has defended the form of the France captain’s wavers over the course of a season.

Having scored four goals in two games against Manchester City in the previous round, Mbappé went silent in Tuesday’s round of sixteen first leg at the Bernabéu.

For Madrid this season, he has registered 28 goals in all competitions; but, in the team’s past three games against Atlético, Real Betis, and Girona he missed the net. “What we observe is that he did not do against Atlético what he did against City. Against Atlético he didn’t score, he scored three against City. He is generally doing really nicely. We are really pleased with him.

“He cannot constantly be in his top condition. Against Atlético he was not, but in such a hard season that is natural, above all in players of caliber. Excellent players experience more ups and downs. It is a hereditary trait.

“Consistent performance is more difficult for players with outstanding quality. Still, he is performing really well. Should we be in the Champions League’s final 16, it’s a lot down to him.

Madrid is still vying for three significant prizes. Three points off the top of the LaLiga table; trailing Barcelona and Atlético; play the second leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad next month.

Their 2-1 loss at Betis on March 1, however, was a setback that let Barca and Atlético gain ground in the title contest. So horrible? No,” Ancelotti answered, asked whether critique of Mbappé’s performance against Atlético was warranted.