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Florentino Perez's dressing room chat with Kylian Mbappe revealed after Real Madrid superstar struggled to make an impact in Champions League win over rivals Atletico

Champions League

Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid

<p>Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash on Tuesday evening, but beyond the result a significant moment took place behind the scenes. After the match, Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, went to the dressing room to motivate his players, paying particular attention to Kylian Mbappe, who had struggled to make an impact at the Santiago Bernabeu. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>As usual, Perez went down to the dressing room to greet his players and analyse the clash against Atletico. After congratulating Carlo Ancelotti's squad for their efforts, he took the time to talk at length with Mbappe.</p><p>The French striker, who played the full 90 minutes, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/kylian-mbappe-real-madrid-win-atletico-carlo-ancelotti-brutally-honest-verdict-performance/blte20357234b6153f2" target="_blank">failed to make the difference against the solid system set up by Diego Simeone</a>, causing some frustration among the Madrid fans. He had the chance to set Vinicius Jr up for the team's third goal, but took a touch too many as Marcos Llorente intercepted the Frenchman's low pass before it could reach the Brazilian.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Aware of the disappointment visible on Mbappe's face, Perez did not hesitate to offer a few words of encouragement to him, according to information reported by <em>Defensa Central</em>. Recalling the former PSG player's key role in the make-or-break play-off against Manchester City, he told him: "We are here thanks to your three goals against City."</p><p>Despite his poor performance against Atletico, Mbappe retains the total confidence of his president, who reportedly told him: "The next [match] will be better."</p>

WHAT FLORENTINO PEREZ SAID

<p>After this European hiccup, Mbappe knows he will be expected to perform in the second leg against Atletico, with Real holding a slender one-goal advantage following Brahim Diaz's winner in midweek. Mbappe will next be in action against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, with Carlo Ancelotti's men having the opportunity to bounce back from last weekend's surprise defeat by Real Betis. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

Florentino Perez's dressing room chat with Kylian Mbappe revealed after Real Madrid superstar struggled to make an impact in Champions League win over rivals Atletico | Goal.com

After Kylian Mbappe&apos;s poor performance against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez sent him a strong message in the dressing room.

Florentino Perez&apos;s dressing room chat with Kylian Mbappe revealed after Real Madrid superstar struggled to make an impact in Champions League win over rivals Atletico

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