Real Madrid’s recent run has quietly turned into one of the more surprising talking points of the season. For a club built on superstar power, the numbers around Kylian Mbappé feel almost backwards. Over the last 12 matches, Real Madrid have just one win with him involved, compared to six victories in games he hasn’t played, and the latest result hasn’t done anything to calm that conversation.
Their most recent outing, a composed 2-0 win over Espanyol, only added to the contrast. Mbappé wasn’t part of the squad, but Madrid looked settled from the first whistle. Vinícius Júnior took charge in the final third, scoring both goals and giving the attack a sense of clarity that had been missing in some recent games. It wasn’t just about the scoreline either, the performance felt controlled, with fewer rushed moments and better overall balance.
That hasn’t always been the case when Mbappé has featured. In the draw against Girona, Madrid struggled to create consistent openings despite dominating possession, and the loss to Mallorca exposed how predictable their attacking patterns can become when everything is directed through one channel. There have been chances, moments even, but not the same flow.
Real Madrid's past 12 matches have been completely split with and without Kylian Mbappé 😬
❌ WITH Mbappé – 1 win
✅ WITHOUT Mbappé – 6 Wins pic.twitter.com/gjPwftv3x7— OneFootball (@OneFootball) May 5, 2026
Is Real Madrid actually better without Mbappé?
It sounds like a dramatic conclusion, but it’s not really that simple. What’s more noticeable is how different Real Madrid look depending on whether he plays. With Mbappé on the pitch, the attack naturally leans towards him. He occupies central spaces, demands the ball, and becomes the reference point. That can be devastating on his day, but it also makes the team easier to read if opponents manage to limit his influence.
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Without him, the structure loosens up a bit. Against Espanyol, there was more rotation across the front line, more players stepping into dangerous areas, and less reliance on a single outlet. Vinícius looked freer, the midfield joined attacks more naturally, and the overall rhythm felt smoother.
There’s also the way opponents react. Mbappé’s presence alone forces teams to sit deeper and stay compact, which reduces space for everyone else. When he’s not there, Madrid sometimes find it easier to stretch the game and create openings in different ways.
None of this suggests Real Madrid are a stronger team without him. Players of Mbappé’s level don’t weaken sides, but they do change how everything functions around them. Right now, Madrid still look like a team adjusting, trying to find the right balance between individual brilliance and collective movement.
This run of results says less about Mbappé himself and more about where the team is in its evolution. The pieces are all there, it’s just a question of getting them to fit consistently. Until then, performances like the Espanyol win will keep this debate alive, whether it feels fair or not.
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