Real Madrid was eliminated from the Champions League, and Kylian Mbappe failed for the ninth consecutive season in the competition. Despite being Real Madrid’s top scorer this season, he lacked the necessary brilliance from the Round of 16 onwards. He was even booed at the Bernabeu during the second leg against Arsenal.

Chicharito Hernandez, the former Mexican star who played for Real Madrid on loan in the 2014-15 season and scored a crucial goal against Atletico in the Champions League, commented on the Galacticos’ failure: “Of course, credit must also be given to the opponents. There is always maximum expectation from a team like Real Madrid, and ultimately, their history creates this level of expectation. Winning so many European titles, always being in contention, is the nature of this team. This expectation always exists. But everything must be evaluated. Against Arsenal, the first leg was more decisive than the second. We know Real Madrid for their comebacks and late goals, but you can’t lose a game 3-0. That’s where everything became harder.”

Chicharito continued: “Everyone thought Arsenal would only defend, but that wasn’t the case. They pressured every ball Courtois had as if they needed to score another goal. They must be respected. Madrid has turned games around many times, but not this time. Of course, this doesn’t mean settling; there should always be maximum expectation, but judgments shouldn’t exceed reality.”

Can Mbappe be Cristiano’s successor at Real Madrid? “Being like Cristiano is very difficult, and no one like him will come again. I believe instead of comparing him to Cristiano, it should be said that Mbappe is determined to be one of the best in the world for a long time. He even surpassed the goals of my greatest idol, Ronaldo Nazario, in his first season, while many wanted to see him as the new Hazard. This is the nature of Real Madrid. When you play for Real, many look for the smallest flaw in you to feel they are at that level too. Mbappe is a world champion and the captain of his national team. The same happened to Benzema, and then he won the Ballon d’Or. I think he is well supported at the best club in the world, and this helps him to be the best player in the world and stay at that level.”