Mbappe’s Remarkable Recovery Boosts Real Madrid Ahead of El Clasico

Kylian Mbappe, the French forward who missed the semi-final match against Atletico Madrid due to a knee injury, has made a rapid recovery and is scheduled to travel to Jeddah on Friday.

Following his team’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over city rivals Atletico, coach Xabi Alonso confirmed that the club’s top scorer is back on his feet and eager to help secure the first potential silverware of the season.

“He will travel tomorrow, and we will see if he is fit to play,” Alonso stated during his post-match press conference at the King Abdullah Stadium. “He is feeling much better, has trained well, and the sensations are positive. His chances of playing are equal to those of all other available players.”

The news of Mbappe’s return is likely to raise concerns for a Barcelona team currently performing at a high level, as Alonso acknowledged. The addition of Mbappe to Real Madrid’s attack alters the dynamics of the upcoming final significantly. “The game will be different,” Alonso remarked when asked about the implications of Mbappe’s return.

In Mbappe’s absence, Real Madrid needed a standout player to rise to the occasion against a resolute Atletico defense, and Federico Valverde delivered. The Uruguayan midfielder broke the deadlock with a stunning goal just two minutes into the match, setting the tone for the victory. Alonso praised Valverde’s energy, defensive work rate, and technical skills, noting that these attributes made a substantial difference in a tightly contested match.

“Fede played exceptionally well,” Alonso remarked when discussing the midfielder’s contributions. “His goal, the assist, his connection with teammates, and intense defensive play all showcased his competitive spirit.”

Valverde’s strike was described by Alonso as a “classic Fede goal,” a powerful shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Beyond his goal-scoring ability, it was Valverde’s leadership in midfield that impressed the coaching staff. During challenging periods of pressure from Atletico, Valverde’s capacity to push the team forward and secure pivotal duels was crucial.

“For him, scoring isn’t the main priority, but it certainly energizes him,” Alonso added. “It was an impressive strike.”

The victory over Atletico was not without its challenges. The match was defined by high intensity, physical confrontations, and a demand for defensive resilience—qualities that Alonso believes will be essential in overcoming Barcelona on Sunday. He noted that the early goal from Valverde altered the match dynamics, allowing Madrid to dictate the tempo. Nonetheless, he expressed satisfaction with how the team managed to endure during Atletico’s pursuit of an equalizer.

“Our objective was to reach the final, and it was a highly competitive semi-final,” Alonso analyzed. “The team demonstrated resilience and held strong at 2-1.”

The physical demands of the derby were evident, as Alonso made defensive substitutions to maintain stability. Antonio Rudiger, solid in defense, was replaced by Fran Garcia with 20 minutes remaining, while others appeared fatigued by the final whistle.

“Antonio put in a great effort and lasted as long as he could,” Alonso explained regarding the substitutions. “After the changes, we found stability. We are pleased with the team’s performance.”

The intensity of the derby also affected the touchline, where a heated exchange occurred between the benches during the second half. While the primary focus remained on the football, an incident involving Vinicius Jr. and Atletico manager Diego Simeone provoked a strong response from Alonso.

Simeone was observed making gestures towards the Brazilian winger as he was substituted, an act Alonso deemed disrespectful. Television cameras captured Alonso rebuking Simeone in the heat of the moment, urging him to concentrate on his own team.

In the press conference, Alonso reiterated that “not everything is acceptable” on the football pitch, criticizing the lack of respect shown to his player. He confirmed he had spoken privately with Vinicius to ensure he remained focused on the game. However, Alonso preferred to steer the discussion back to football, refusing to let the controversy overshadow the achievement of reaching the final. The focus now shifts to recovery and the anticipated return of Mbappe, as Real Madrid aims to claim victory and a trophy in the first El Clasico of 2026.