How Real Madrid perform with and without Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid head into Thursday’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atlético Madrid without Kylian Mbappé once again, but, fans will be delighted to note, the absence of their marquee forward has not translated into a meaningful drop in performance.

Since Mbappé’s arrival in the summer of 2024, Los Blancos’ overall output has remained remarkably stable regardless of his availability, although clearly he’s been more present than not. With the Frenchman in the lineup, Madrid average 2.16 points per game. Without him, that figure actually nudges slightly higher, at 2.18. Over a smaller sample, yes – and the games are never perfectly mirrored – but one that reinforces a broader theme: this team does not appear to be structurally dependent on this one star.

What is Madrid’s goal count with and without Mbappé?

Goals tell a similar story, and a shoutout to our friends at Sofascore for the graphic. Madrid score 2.19 goals per game with Mbappé and 2.09 without him. The drop is marginal and largely offset by improved defensive numbers. Goals conceded fall from 1.19 per game to just 1.00 in matches he misses, while clean-sheet frequency remains virtually identical.

Where the difference is more visible is in volume. Madrid take fewer shots without Mbappé, 15.4 per game compared to 17.8, and create fewer big chances. Yet opponents also see more of the ball and take more shots themselves, suggesting Madrid become more controlled and selective rather than expansive. Your eyes no doubt gave you this sense as well.

That balance was on display against Betis, when Gonzalo García led the line with Vinícius Jr and Rodrygo Goes supporting. Xabi Alonso is expected to trust the same structure against Atlético, prioritising cohesion over individual brilliance.

Madrid may be without their star, but the numbers underline why they still arrive in Jeddah believing the first trophy of the season is firmly within reach. And if things don’t go well, it may be a shiny new manager that they’re in need of.