Kylian Mbappé Explodes the Defense After Sociedad’s 4th Goal, What He Said Is Viral!

Real Madrid’s path to the Copa del Rey final was marred by a defensive meltdown in Tuesday’s chaotic 4-4 draw against Real Sociedad, a performance that drew scathing criticism from star forward Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman, who entered the match as a substitute, unleashed a viral outburst after Sociedad’s stoppage-time equalizer laid bare the team’s recurring defensive frailties .

Defensive Chaos at the Bernabéu

The Santiago Bernabéu, typically a fortress for Madrid, became a stage of vulnerability as Real Sociedad exploited gaping holes in Carlo Ancelotti’s backline. Despite holding a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg, Madrid conceded four goals at home for the first time this season, with defensive errors plaguing every phase of play.

Mbappé’s Fiery Reaction

Substituted on in the 66th minute, Mbappé watched in disbelief as Mikel Oyarzabal’s 93rd-minute header sealed Sociedad’s fourth goal. Cameras from El Chiringuito captured the 26-year-old raising four fingers and shouting, “Four goals at home!”—a moment that instantly went viral . His frustration mirrored the sentiment of fans, who booed the team’s defensive lapses.

Anatomy of a Collapse

The collapse began early when Raúl Asencio, a 22-year-old defender thrust into the starting lineup, misjudged a clearance, allowing Sociedad to score within 10 minutes. Ancelotti later singled out Asencio’s positional errors, stating, “He drifted too far forward, leaving us exposed” . Alongside him, David Alaba endured a nightmare performance, scoring two own goals and failing to command the backline.

Systemic Defensive Issues

Madrid’s defensive woes are not isolated. Since January, the partnership of Alaba and Antonio Rüdiger has lacked cohesion, with the duo frequently caught out of sync. Ancelotti’s experimentation—shifting Federico Valverde to right-back and deploying Aurélien Tchouaméni as a center-back—highlighted his desperation for stability .

Mbappé’s Leadership Emerges

Though Mbappé’s outburst drew attention, it also underscored his growing role as a leader. Since joining Madrid in 2024, he has evolved from a goal-scoring phenom to a vocal critic of complacency. His 33 goals this season—matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut Madrid tally—have been overshadowed by his demands for collective accountability .

The Oyarzabal Goal: A Microcosm

Sociedad’s fourth goal epitomized Madrid’s defensive disarray. Sergio Gómez’s free-kick found Oyarzabal unmarked, as defenders stood rooted. Mbappé, positioned for a counterattack, could only watch in fury. “No one even jumped,” he later fumed in the locker room .

Ancelotti’s Tactical Dilemma

Ancelotti faces mounting pressure to address these issues ahead of Madrid’s Champions League clash with Arsenal. The Italian manager acknowledged the need for a “defensive reset,” hinting at a return to Rüdiger and Nacho Fernández as his center-back pairing. However, Nacho’s recent injury complicates this plan .

Historical Context: A Season of Defensive Woes

Madrid’s backline has conceded 12 goals in their last five matches across all competitions. The absence of Éder Militão, still recovering from an ACL tear, has exacerbated the crisis. Even Mbappé’s heroics—like his hat-trick against Manchester City in February—have often papered over these cracks .

Fan and Pundit Backlash

Social media erupted with critiques, with fans labeling the defense “amateurish.” Former Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa tweeted, “This is not the Madrid we know. Leaders need to step up—starting with Mbappé.”

The Bright Spot: Endrick’s Emergence

Amid the chaos, 18-year-old Endrick shone, scoring Madrid’s first goal off a sublime Vinícius Jr. assist. His composure contrasted sharply with the veterans’ errors, offering hope for the future .

Mbappé’s Adaptation at Madrid

Despite the turmoil, Mbappé has thrived individually. With 22 goals in 27 appearances, he is on pace to surpass Zamorano’s 37-goal debut season record. His integration into the squad, however, has been tested by moments like Tuesday’s outburst .

The Road Ahead: Arsenal and Beyond

With a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona or Atlético looming on April 26, Ancelotti must quickly stabilize his defense. The upcoming Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal—a team with a potent attack—will demand immediate solutions .

Ancelotti’s Possible Fixes

Options include reinstating Dani Carvajal at right-back, moving Valverde to midfield, and promoting Castilla defender Marvel. Ancelotti may also adopt a more conservative formation to shield his error-prone backline.

Mbappé’s Ultimatum

Sources close to the player reveal Mbappé has urged Florentino Pérez to prioritize defensive signings this summer. “We can’t win trophies like this,” he reportedly told the president .

Conclusion: A Season at a Crossroads

Madrid’s season hangs in the balance. While their attack remains world-class, the defense threatens to derail their treble ambitions. Mbappé’s viral outburst may prove a catalyst for change—or a harbinger of deeper unrest.