By John Ogunsemore

Real Madrid manager, Álvaro Arbeloa praised striker, Kylian Mbappé as a “constant threat” and “the best player in the world” despite the Spanish giants’ 2-1 home defeat to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Mbappé scored Real Madrid’s lone goal in the 74th minute at the Santiago Bernabéu, turning in a low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold from close range to cut the deficit to one.

Bayern had taken control with first-half strikes from Luis Díaz in the 41st minute and Harry Kane in the 46th, the latter on his return from injury.

Speaking after the match, Arbeloa praised Mbappé’s performance and commitment.

“To me Mbappé looked very committed,” he said.

“He caused them problems. He showed why he’s the best player in the world, he was a constant threat for the defence, and that’s the Mbappé we want to see.”

The French forward has now scored 38 goals in all competitions this season and has been a focal point in Real Madrid’s attack since regaining full fitness.

Arbeloa insisted his team remain firmly in the tie ahead of the second leg in Munich next week.

“We’re still alive, that’s clear,” he told Movistar.

“We’re just one goal behind. We’re capable of winning anywhere.”

The result marks Bayern’s first win at the Bernabéu since 2012, but the narrow margin leaves the tie wide open for the return fixture.

Mbappé’s late strike ensured Real Madrid will travel with belief, having shown flashes of their attacking quality in the second half.

Arbeloa, in his first season as Real Madrid manager, has repeatedly backed Mbappé amid scrutiny over the side’s consistency, describing the striker’s integration as “an extraordinary privilege” in the build-up to the tie.

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