‘Comparing Him to Cristiano Is Absurd’ — Spanish Press Slam Mbappe After Arsenal Eliminate Real Madrid | OneFootball

Arsenal are through to the UEFA Champions League semifinals after a 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of their quarterfinal. This capped off a convincing 5-1 aggregate victory, setting up a showdown with Paris Saint-Germain.

The result has also reignited scrutiny around Kylian Mbappe, who once again fell short in his pursuit of Champions League glory. Despite PSG making the semifinals for the second consecutive year, the spotlight remains on the French star, who had a subpar performance as the Spanish side was eliminated in a forgettable fashion.

Bukayo Saka had an early chance to put Arsenal in front but saw a first-half penalty saved, offering Real Madrid a flicker of hope in their comeback attempt. That didn’t last.

Saka made amends in the 65th minute, breaking the deadlock to put Arsenal ahead. Vinicius Jr. answered quickly for Real Madrid, equalizing just two minutes later.

Still, Arsenal stayed composed and in control. Gabriel Martinelli wrapped things up with a stoppage-time goal to book their place in the final four.

Kylian Mbappe is at the center of criticism from Spanish media

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After Real Madrid’s Champions League exit — with Mbappe subbed off in the 75th minute — the Spanish press didn’t hold back. The honeymoon period following his move from PSG looks to be over, especially after sharp criticism from Cadena SER’s Antonio Romero and Jesús Gallego.

Romero believes that comparisons between Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo are no longer valid, at least for now.

“The comparison for Mbappe isn’t with Cristiano,” Romero said. “The comparison for Mbappe this year is with Vinicius, and Madrid have come out on the losing end. The spearhead for Madrid used to be Vinicius — this year it had to be Mbappe, and so far Real Madrid are falling short because neither Vini is being Vini nor has Mbappe taken over that role.

“Comparing him to Cristiano is absurd (…) That said, I also think it’s absurd to question the signing of Mbappe. With Mbappe, more players need to come in, but right now you can’t compare him to Cristiano or Benzema.”

Meanwhile, Gallego questions whether Mbappe will ever be a fit at Real Madrid.

“Mbappé doesn’t structure Real Madrid’s game and I have doubts he ever will,” Gallego said. “He’s a player who runs for it, who makes individual plays. He’s not a footballer who plays collectively.”