Liverpool delivered a commanding performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side reeling. Among those facing the most scrutiny was Kylian Mbappe, whose underwhelming display, capped by a missed penalty, added to an already challenging start to his tenure at the Spanish club.
With Vinicius Junior sidelined due to injury, the stage seemed set for Mbappe to shine and solidify his place as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s attack. Instead, the French forward faltered, failing to capitalize on key opportunities and struggling to assert himself against an energetic Liverpool side.
Mbappe’s frustration was evident throughout the night, and his struggles culminated at the final whistle. After losing possession for the 15th time, a sequence that ended with a brilliant save by Thibaut Courtois to keep the scoreline from worsening, Mbappe stood frozen, hands on his hips, before quietly retreating to the locker room. Teammates Jesus Vallejo and assistant coach Davide Ancelotti offered words of consolation as he exited, visibly dejected.
Challenges in filling Vinicius Junior’s role
Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid sparked extensive debate among fans and pundits about how he would fit into a team where Vinicius Junior already occupies the left flank—his preferred position. The Brazilian is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, leaving questions about how the two would coexist.
To accommodate Mbappe, Ancelotti made tactical adjustments earlier in the season, but with Vinicius out of the lineup for the Anfield clash, Mbappe was given the opportunity to operate in his favored role. Facing Liverpool’s relatively inexperienced Conor Bradley, who was making just his fourth Champions League appearance and first start, expectations were high for Mbappe to dominate.
However, the reality was far different. Mbappe struggled in one-on-one situations, often losing duels against Bradley and other Liverpool defenders. Within the first four minutes, he had already been dispossessed twice, a moment that drew cheers from the Anfield crowd, who jeered him relentlessly throughout the match. One of these turnovers nearly resulted in a Liverpool goal, with Raul Asencio clearing the ball off the line.
The most striking moment came in the 32nd minute when Mbappe squared off against Bradley in an encounter he should have easily won. Instead, Bradley emerged victorious, and the Anfield crowd erupted in celebration, treating the defensive stop as if it were a goal.
By the end of the match, Mbappe’s stats painted a grim picture: one shot on target (his missed penalty), another attempt blocked, three successful dribbles out of six attempts, a passing accuracy of just 75%—the lowest among Real Madrid’s attacking players—and no chances created. He also lost possession 15 times while recovering the ball only three times.
A missed penalty opportunity
Mbappe had a chance to alter the narrative in the second half. With Liverpool leading 1-0 thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s early strike, Real Madrid earned a penalty after Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vázquez combined in the build-up, drawing a foul on Vázquez.
With Vinicius unavailable, there was little doubt that Mbappe would step up to take the spot-kick. Antonio Rüdiger stood by his side during the VAR check, ensuring no distractions interfered with his preparation. But when Mbappe faced Liverpool’s young goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, it was the Irishman who prevailed, diving to make a crucial save.
Mbappe reacted by clasping his hands to his head, visibly stunned by the miss. For a brief moment, he appeared hopeful that the penalty might be retaken, potentially due to the goalkeeper leaving his line early, but no such reprieve was granted.
This miss added to Mbappe’s challenges this season. Of his nine goals for Real Madrid, three have come from penalties, highlighting his struggles to make an impact from open play.
Questions about Mbappe’s attitude
Mbappe’s body language throughout the match raised concerns among fans and analysts. Cameras captured him looking isolated and subdued as the team returned to the pitch after halftime. Jude Bellingham, one of Real Madrid’s standout players this season, took on the role of leader, offering encouragement and guidance to teammates, while Mbappe appeared distant.
His frustration became even more evident after Cody Gakpo doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 76th minute. Mbappe protested to the referee for a potential offside call but seemed increasingly disconnected as the match wore on.
Criticism also emerged over his behavior after the game. Unlike many of his teammates, Mbappe did not approach the traveling Real Madrid fans to acknowledge their support. Nor did he speak to the media, leaving others—such as Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, and Bellingham—to represent the team in post-match interviews.
When asked about Mbappe’s demeanor, Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged his struggles but urged patience. “It’s clear that he might be lacking a bit of confidence,” the coach said. “In moments like this, the key is to simplify things. Sometimes players overcomplicate situations, but it’s something that will pass. You can’t judge a player solely on a missed penalty.”
Support from teammates and staff
Despite his recent challenges, Mbappe has received strong support from within the club. Teammates and staff have consistently defended him, emphasizing his work ethic and potential to overcome this difficult period.
“He has been unfairly criticized,” said Jude Bellingham in a press conference before the match. “What he brings to the team is incredibly valuable. I see him in training, and it’s truly amazing.”
Bellingham also downplayed the significance of the missed penalty in Wednesday’s defeat. “The penalty isn’t the reason we lost,” he stated.
Ancelotti echoed similar sentiments, urging patience and persistence. “Moments like this happen to all great players, especially forwards. The solution is simple: keep working, be patient, and trust that things will improve,” he said.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who captained the team on the night, also offered words of encouragement. “Real Madrid is a demanding club, and the first year here is never easy. But we believe in him. He has the quality to turn things around.”
Ceballos and Vázquez were equally supportive, highlighting Mbappe’s effort and determination. “He’s putting in the work, and we all know how talented he is,” said Ceballos. “It’s a process, and he will adapt. I’m confident he’ll prove himself in time.”
Moving forward
Mbappe’s early struggles at Real Madrid have not gone unnoticed, but they are far from uncommon for players adjusting to the pressure and expectations of one of the world’s most demanding clubs. With nine goals and two assists in 18 appearances this season, his numbers are respectable but fall short of the superstar status he carried upon arrival.
For now, the focus remains on supporting Mbappe as he navigates this challenging period. With the backing of his teammates, coaching staff, and the club itself, there is optimism that the French forward will rediscover his form and fulfill the expectations that accompanied his move to Madrid.
While his performance at Anfield was disappointing, it is just one chapter in what is likely to be a long and storied career at the Bernabéu. For Mbappe, the key will be to learn from these setbacks and channel them into future success.
