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Mbappé Benched and Booed as Real Madrid Coach Denies 'Fourth-Choice' Claim

ESPN Soccer •
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Kylian Mbappé faced a hostile reception at the Bernabéu after being named as a substitute in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo. The French star entered in the 69th minute but was loudly whistled by supporters who questioned his commitment following a recent injury layoff.

Mbappé claimed coach Álvaro Arbeloa informed him he was the "fourth-choice forward" behind Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García. Arbeloa flatly denied making such a statement, saying "I wish I had four forwards" and suggesting Mbappé misunderstood their pre-match conversation.

The incident reflects Madrid's turbulent season, which ended without silverware for the second consecutive year. Xabi Alonso was replaced by Arbeloa midseason amid mounting pressure. Mbappé accepted the fan criticism philosophically, acknowledging it comes with playing for a high-profile club, while emphasizing he must earn his place through performance.