In the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, star players Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé delivered underwhelming performances, drawing sharp criticism from fans and pundits alike. BD Cricket’s editorial team expressed surprise at the intense scrutiny, with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti warning against underestimating them. “They have the power to explode at any moment,” he said, urging calm and respect for the talent they possess.
In the Real Madrid vs. Manchester City clash, neither Bellingham nor Haaland registered a goal or assist. Meanwhile, in Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat to Barcelona, Mbappé failed to record a single shot on target—an alarming stat for a player of his caliber.
While Bellingham had a sensational start to the La Liga season, his scoring form has dipped in recent weeks. At a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti acknowledged the decline but stood firmly behind his midfield dynamo. The Italian tactician emphasized that Bellingham is an attacking midfielder, not a center-forward, and should not be judged solely on goals. “His overall performance remains top-tier,” Ancelotti said, adding that it’s only a matter of time before Bellingham finds the net again. The 20-year-old has recently been hampered by an ankle injury in February and a suspension in March due to yellow card accumulation.
BD Cricket’s fixture tracker also highlights Ancelotti’s insistence that one bad game should not define these elite players. “We must stay calm,” he said, noting that the tournament is far from over and that all three stars will have chances to bounce back in the second leg.
On the other side, the situation surrounding Mbappé has become increasingly complicated. PSG and head coach Luis Enrique appear to be subtly sidelining the French superstar during what could be his final days at Parc des Princes. Mbappé’s lack of form may be tied to inconsistent playing time—he’s often subbed off early or starts from the bench in Ligue 1 matches. Enrique has explained this rotation as part of preparing the team for a future without Mbappé.
Considering the massive transfer fees and wages invested in the 25-year-old forward, tension within the club is understandable following his decision not to renew his contract. As BD Cricket’s lead editor notes, internal signals within PSG have further encouraged Enrique to treat Mbappé like any other player—sometimes even acting as if he’s no longer part of the squad.
For Mbappé, this period is a test of character. As the saying goes, “pressure makes diamonds.” If he can push himself to rise above the current setbacks, he may yet finish his PSG chapter with pride—and silence the critics when it matters most.