As Real Madrid prepares to face its historic rival, FC Barcelona, in the Spanish Super Cup final this Sunday evening, Kylian Mbappé is under the spotlight.
The Bondy-born forward has shown signs of improvement. After being criticized during October and November, Mbappé managed to turn things around in December, earning recognition as the best player of the month from Real Madrid fans.
However, everyone knows that it’s in the key matches during the second half of the season, when titles are decided, that his true value will be tested.
A Major Challenge for Mbappé This Evening
The Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday night will see Real Madrid take on its eternal rival, FC Barcelona. All eyes will be on Mbappé, who is under immense pressure for this highly anticipated Clasico.
This pressure is even greater given that the French forward had a disappointing performance in the first Clasico of the season, in which the Merengues suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to the Catalan side. Mbappé’s performance that day, marked by eight offside calls, led to widespread criticism.
This Sunday morning, Spanish media have been emphasizing the significance of this match for Mbappé. Marca recalls that he was one of the most criticized players during the team’s defeat in La Liga.
“The Frenchman will need to be cautious of the offside trap set by Hansi Flick’s team,” the publication warns, but remains hopeful: “In recent games, he has seemed more in sync with his teammates.” The article also highlights that Mbappé is eager to make an impact, especially since he has yet to score in 2025 after three matches.
Meanwhile, AS runs with the headline: “Mbappé, the Final Redemption.” The Madrid newspaper points out that Mbappé has scored six goals in five previous encounters with Barcelona, a record that could work in his favor. Carlo Ancelotti, confident following Real Madrid’s semifinal win over Mallorca, had remarked: “We are seeing the best version of Mbappé since his arrival.”
For the former Paris Saint-Germain player, this final represents more than just a trophy to chase; it’s an opportunity to restore his reputation after a quiet start to the year and to prove he can step up in the biggest moments. The stage is set; now Mbappé must showcase his talent against the Blaugrana rivals.
