Kylian Mbappe broke Real Madrid 'non-negotiable' with terrible performance in El Clasico thrashing by Barcelona as scrutiny remains on French forward

In what was arguably one of his least effective performances in a Real Madrid shirt, Mbappe found himself offside eight times during El Clasico last weekend. This single game accounted for 47% of his offsides in just 8% of his total minutes played this season, a statistic that exemplifies the struggles he had coping with Barcelona's high line. According to AS, the whispers regarding his form at the Santiago Bernabeu are now growing louder, with some questioning if this version of Mbappe still resembles the player who initially dazzled fans worldwide.

Real Madrid have clear expectations from its star players, particularly when it comes to delivering on the biggest nights, which is seen as a "non-negotiable". His absence in the Madrid derby due to a minor muscle strain was a letdown, but his inability to capitalise on chances during El Clasico has raised further doubts. Real Madrid fans had been eager for a signature Mbappe moment to define the match, but instead, they were left questioning his effectiveness in a game that they wanted to win at all costs.

Although Mbappe has scored eight goals this season, only five have come from open play, with three from penalties. Over his last five appearances, he has only managed one goal - a stunning strike from outside the box. However, such moments of brilliance have been rare, and the team’s reliance on him to consistently deliver in critical moments is going unfulfilled. Attempts to address his performance through fitness adjustments during the international break appear to have had little effect, leaving both physical and mental challenges as possible hurdles to overcome.

Real Madrid and Mbappe will be back in action again on Saturday evening at the Estadio Mestalla against Valencia.