'We merit this position': Real Madrid's Mbappe following failure to secure top eight

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe conceded that his squad lacked the necessary steadiness to claim a top eight position, resulting in their drop to the Champions League play-off stage on Wednesday.

The team, boasting a record 15 European titles, suffered a 4-2 loss against Jose Mourinho's Benfica, ending up ninth in the league phase standings, which forces them to confront the Portuguese outfit or Bodo/Glimt in February rather than advancing straight to the last 16.

Following three consecutive victories in their last three fixtures under fresh manager Alvaro Arbeloa, Madrid faced a harsh reality check from Benfica in Lisbon.

"The issue lies in our lack of consistency on the pitch, we must address it, you cannot perform well one day and poorly the next, true champions avoid such variability," Mbappe remarked to the press.

"We have earned this spot today, Benfica outperformed us, and now we face two additional play-off matches. It stings to endure those extra games, we hoped for February time to refine our tactics."

Mbappe struggled to identify a single cause for Madrid's subpar showing against Benfica.

"I believe it encompasses various elements. I cannot claim it is solely about mindset, as that would imply we arrived without motivation," stated the French star, who netted twice during the loss.

"If I attribute it purely to footballing aspects, it might suggest the side is inadequate. No, it feels like a wider concern, and in the Champions League, every nuance counts when aiming to overcome rivals...

"This highlights that without bringing full commitment to a Champions League encounter, opponents will exploit it and, as the saying goes, outwit you."

Nevertheless, Mbappe urged Madrid supporters to back the team at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday versus Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, instead of jeering as occurred earlier in January.

"Turn up and cheer for the team, we endured a poor outing, yet we remain in the Champions League and hold positive momentum in La Liga," Mbappe implored.

"With the Bernabeu behind us, victory on Sunday is assured."