According to reports, Real Madrid started the season with high expectations. With talents like Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Thibaut Courtois, and Eduardo Camavinga, the addition of Mbappe seemed to guarantee success.

However, names on paper mean little if the reality on the pitch is different. Without a clear identity or direction, Real Madrid risks ending the season without silverware, despite early-season optimism.

Baptista, who joined Real Madrid in 2005, analyzed the club’s current situation in an interview with Sport.

Baptista said: “They’ve had ups and downs, especially in the Champions League. The 3-0 first-leg defeat made the return leg extremely difficult. Even for a team like Real Madrid, overturning a 3-0 deficit is tough. Declan Rice, who had never scored from a free-kick before, netted twice against them.”

He added: “Football has unexplainable moments, but from a tactical perspective, Arsenal was far more stable than Real Madrid in both legs. They had more solutions—understanding their own players and identifying Real’s weaknesses—which proved decisive.”

Mbappe’s first season at Real Madrid has been mixed. The French star has undoubtedly shone brightest, but his presence has overshadowed previous key players like Vinicius Jr., who has transitioned from a leading role to a secondary one.

Baptista said: “The dynamics have changed. Before, all eyes were on Vinicius, but now he shares that spotlight with Mbappe. Expecting Vinicius, a winger, to also be the top scorer is excessive. Sharing that burden with a natural striker like Mbappe is better.”

He concluded: “A great team is built on this: when one player isn’t at their best, another steps up to help achieve the objective.”