US EditionReal Madrid Refocuses on La Liga After Stunning Loss to Benfica
Real Madrid's loss to Benfica ended their automatic Champions League round of 16 qualification; players and coach cited poor focus and attitude as key factors.
- Real Madrid suffered a shock defeat in Lisbon, losing 4-2 to SL Benfica with two red cards in the dying minutes, as they dropped out of the top eight.
- Players and coaches conceded responsibility for poor attitude and preparation after the loss, with Álvaro Arbeloa saying he failed to convey the game's importance and Real Madrid players acknowledging Benfica fought harder.
- Notably, Mbappé scored both Real Madrid goals, taking his Champions League-leading tally to 13, while Anatoliy Trubin scored the last-minute winner, according to the match report.
- Real Madrid have been pushed into a playoff, with the draw on Friday, January 30, 2026, after dropping out of the top eight automatic qualifiers for the round of 16 and must win to remain.
- Returning to La Liga, Real Madrid must improve after five consecutive La Liga wins as they host city rival Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
15 Articles
15 Articles
MADRID.- Kylian Mbappé offered a tough self-criticism after the defeat of Real Madrid 4-2 against Benfica in the Champions League, a result that left the team out of the direct standings to eighths and that will force the club to play an extra round of playoffs. Despite having scored two more goals in the tournament, Mbappé was clear by pointing out that the difference in performance was not in quality or tactics, but in the desire and attitude …
Benfica Humiliation Sparks Anger at Real Madrid, Youngster.......
Real Madrid suffered a shocking 4-2 defeat against Benfica in the Champions League, leaving the team ninth and needing playoff qualification. Los Blancos were outrun, outplayed, and tactically exposed by a disciplined Benfica side, causing frustration among players, staff, and fans alike. Read Also: Deco Aims Parting Shot At Dro Fernandez Following PSG Move The loss comes just weeks after elimination from the Copa del Rey by lower-league side Al…
Real Madrid's hard defeat against Benfica at Estadio da Luz once again left very bad feelings among Madrid.
On the stage of El Chiringuito, journalist Edu Aguirre put forward the performance of three players, but severely criticized the rest of the squad. Real Madrid fell into the Champions League yesterday, in a very sad way. A 4-2 setback on the Benfica lawn that excluded him from the European top 8 and [...]
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