Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe's alleged insult in the tunnel to the match official for his team's clash with Valencia on Sunday has been revealed. The France international appeared set for a frustrating day in the office before he scored in second half stoppage time to help his side win 2-0.
Mbappe was not happy with an offside call from the first half following a Valencia clearance handed him the ball, and he asked for an explanation from the fourth official. The Los Blancos icon started his discussion with the official on the pitch before he was questioned to head into the changing areas for an explanation. When this did not happen, he turned to teammate Eduardo Camavinga and insulted the referee in French.
"Mbappe: How can that be offside? I’m asking for an explanation.
Fourth official: On camera it’s tight, sorry, talk about it inside.
Mbappe: Okay, we’ll go inside and you explain, because I don’t get it.
Mbappe (in the tunnel): You told me to talk inside and you’re not looking at me… honestly. You told me to talk inside, and now I’m here and you won’t speak.
To Camavinga: They’re such clowns, the referees", (via AS).
Real Madrid were missing Vinicius Jr for the game through suspension, leaving the former PSG player to start up front with Gonzalo Garcia. The forward had an amazing game, firing three shots on target and creating two chances for his teammates.
Los Blancos had to wait until after the hour mark to break the deadlock in their hunt of three points at the Mestalla, with Alvaro Carreras starting the scoring. Their leading goalscorer added a second late in the game after he was found by Brahim Diaz, securing a 2-0 win.
Real Madrid boss compares Kylian Mbappe to Cristiano Ronaldo
Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa has compared star forward Kylian Mbappe to former teammate and club icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The Frenchman scored a goal for a sixth straight game in La Liga, taking his tally to 23 in 22 games this season.
Arbeloa was happy with his talismanic forward when he talked with the reporters following the game, calling him as the world's best player on given current form. He backed the 27-year-old to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo's records at the club if he continues on his present form.
"We’re very lucky to have him. He’s the best player in the world right now. It’s something that, as I said, Cristiano seemed to be out of this world and Kylian has a long way to go, but he has what it takes to follow in his footsteps. Why not surpass him? If anyone can, it’s Kylian", he said (via Managing Madrid).
Alvaro Arbeloa oversaw a fourth successive league win for his side as they remained within one point of leaders Barcelona. The Spanish coach is yet to drop a point in the league since he was appointed to replace Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid last month.