Liverpool produced a commanding performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Carlo Ancelotti's side reeling. Among those under most scrutiny was Kylian Mbappe, whose disappointing performance, capped by a missed penalty, added to an already challenging start to his time at the Spanish club.
With Vinicius Junior unavailable due to injury, the stage seemed set for Mbappe to shine and cement his place as the cornerstone of Real Madrid's attack. Instead, the French striker faltered, failing to take advantage of key opportunities and struggling to establish himself against an energetic Liverpool side.
Mbappe's frustration was evident all night, and his struggles culminated at the final whistle. After losing possession for the fifteenth time, a sequence that ended with a brilliant save from Thibaut Courtois to prevent the score from worsening, Mbappe remained frozen, hands on his hips, before retreating silently to the changing rooms. Teammates Jesus Vallejo and assistant coach Davide Ancelotti offered words of consolation as he walked out, visibly dejected.
Challenges in filling the role of Vinicius Junior
Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid sparked a wide debate among fans and experts on how he would fit into a team where Vinicius Junior already occupies the left flank, his preferred position. The Brazilian is widely considered one of the best players in the world, leaving questions as to how the two could co-exist.
To accommodate Mbappe, Ancelotti made tactical changes at the start of the season, but with Vinicius out of the lineup for the Anfield clash, Mbappe had the opportunity to operate in his preferred role. Facing Liverpool's relatively inexperienced Conor Bradley, who was making only his fourth Champions League appearance and first starter, expectations were high for Mbappe's dominance.
However, the reality was very different. Mbappe struggled in one-on-one situations, often losing duels to Bradley and other Liverpool defenders. Within the first four minutes, he had already been sent off twice, a moment that drew applause from the Anfield crowd, who jeered him relentlessly throughout the match. One of these turnovers almost resulted in a Liverpool goal, with Raul Asencio clearing the ball off the line.
The most surprising moment came in the 32nd minute when Mbappe took on Bradley in a match he should have won easily. 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 from six attempts, a passing accuracy of just 75% – the lowest between Real Madrid's attacks. players and no chances created. He also lost possession 15 times while only recovering the ball three times.
A wasted penalty opportunity
Mbappe had a chance to change the narrative in the second half. With Liverpool leading 1-0 thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's early goal, Real Madrid earned a penalty after Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vázquez combined in the build-up to foul Vázquez.
With Vinicius unavailable, there was no doubt that Mbappe would step up to take the penalty. Antonio Rüdiger was at his side during the VAR check, ensuring that no distractions interfered with his preparation. But when Mbappe took on young Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, it was the Irishman who prevailed, diving to make a crucial save.
Mbappe reacted by putting his hands to his head, visibly stunned by the mistake. For a brief moment, he appeared confident the penalty could be retaken, potentially due to the goalkeeper leaving the line early, but no such reprieve was granted.
This shortcoming has added to Mbappe's challenges this season. Of his nine goals for Real Madrid, three have come from penalties, highlighting his difficulty in making his mark from open play.
Questions about Mbappe's attitude
Mbappe's body language during the match raised concerns among fans and analysts. Cameras captured him appearing isolated and subdued as the team returned to the field after halftime. Jude Bellingham, one of Real Madrid's star players this season, took on the leadership role, 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 complained to the referee about a potential offside but looked increasingly disconnected as the match went on.
Criticism also emerged regarding his behavior after the match. 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, letting others, such as Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos and Bellingham, represent the team in post-match interviews.
When asked about Mbappe's behaviour, Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged his difficulties but urged patience. “It's clear he might be lacking a bit of confidence,” the coach said. “In times like this the key is to simplify things. Sometimes players overcomplicate situations, but that's something that will pass. You can't judge a player just for 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, highlighting his work ethic and potential to overcome this difficult period.
“He has been unfairly criticised,” Jude Bellingham said in a pre-match press conference. “What he brings to the team is incredibly valuable. I see him in training and he's really fantastic.”
Bellingham also downplayed the significance of the missed penalty in Wednesday's defeat. “The penalty is not the reason we lost,” he said.
Ancelotti echoed similar sentiments, urging patience and persistence. “Moments like these happen to all great players, especially attackers. The solution is simple: keep working, be patient and have faith that things will get better,” he said.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who captained the team that 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 qualities to change things.”
Ceballos and Vázquez were equally supportive, highlighting Mbappe's effort and determination. “He's working hard and we all know how talented he is,” Ceballos said. “It's a process and he will adapt. I am confident that over time it will prove itself.”
Move forward
Mbappe's early struggles at Real Madrid have not gone unnoticed, but they are far from unusual for players adapting 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 had upon his arrival.
For now, the focus remains on supporting Mbappe as he navigates this difficult period. With the support of his teammates, coaching staff and the club itself, there is optimism that the French striker will regain his form and live up to 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 towards future success.
