Liverpool trampled underfoot Real Madrid in the Champions League Wednesday, leaving Carlos Ancelotti’s camp – notably Kylian Mbappé – hurt.

At the club, supporters and media agreed that, with Vinicius Junior absent due to injury, it was Mbappé’s day to prove his worth to his new club after a mixed start to the season.

But he didn’t do it. Quite the contrary, since he missed the penalty which could have brought his team back into the match.

His fate was summed up at the final whistle, seconds after losing the ball for the 15th time in a sequence that ended with an incredible Thibaut Courtois save to stop Luis Diaz to make the score 3-0. The Frenchman remained for a few moments, hands on hips, before being the first to reach the locker room, discouraged and consoled on the way by his teammate. Jesus Vallejo and assistant manager Davide Ancelotti.

Losing the battle with Bradley

Before his move to Real Madrid was announced, a debate took place among fans and in the media over Mbappé’s place. The main concern is that his preferred position, on the left, is already occupied by Vinicius Jr, a player considered to be Real Madrid’s best player. second best in the world according to the Ballon d’Or judges.

The Brazilian started the season on the wing but at Leganes on Sunday, in an attempt to improve the Frenchman’s fortunes, Ancelotti switched positions.

With Vinicius Jr injured for the trip to Anfield, Mbappe’s area of ​​greatest impact has been cleared. And in front of him was Conor Bradleywho was playing only his fourth Champions League match and his first as a starter.

Although Bradley received help from his teammates, Mbappé continually failed one-on-one with him and against other opponents.

In the first four minutes he recorded the first two defeats, celebrated with jubilation by the home fans, who booed him throughout. The early mistake also led to a chance for Liverpool, with Raul Asencio clear the line.

One of the most significant images came in the 32nd minute, when he challenged Bradley to a race he should have won easily, but lost. Anfield celebrated it as a goal.

Mbappé finished with only one shot on target (the penalty saved) and another blocked, three successful dribbles (the most, with Brahim Diaz) on six, a success rate of 75 percent (the lowest outfielder), no chances created, 15 lost possessions and three recoveries. Its irregular display is illustrated in AthleticsIt is player dashboard below.

The missed penalty

Mbappe had the opportunity in the second half to change the scenario.

Eight minutes after being down 1-0 Alexis MacAllisterThe aim of, a combination between substitutes Daniel Ceballos And Lucas Vazquez resulted in a penalty for a foul on Vazquez. Without Vinicius Jr, there was no doubt that the penalty taker would be Mbappé.

Antonio Rudiger stayed close to the ball and his teammate during the VAR check, making sure no one disturbed him. But when Mbappé intervened to face Caoimhin Kelleherthe Liverpool academy goalkeeper came out on top.

Caoimhin Kelleher thwarts Kylian Mbappé on the spot!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/fr45wUF2Cj

– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024

Mbappé reacted by putting his hands on his head, although he was a little less expressive afterwards. In short, he thought he might get another chance, waiting to find out if the penalty would be retaken if the keeper stepped off his line, only to be disappointed again.

A third of his goals this season – three out of nine – have come from penalties. But it wasn’t his night.

Is Mbappé’s attitude a problem?

Body language can’t tell us much, but Mbappé’s gestures haven’t made a good impression for some time.

He looked lacking in confidence and dejected as he headed to the locker room at halftime. After these minutes inside, before returning to the field, the cameras filmed him away from a group of teammates, as if he were distant, while Jude Bellingham led the way, gave direction and encouragement.

Mbappe’s frustration was visible after Cody Gakpo‘s goal made it 2-0 with 14 minutes remaining, protesting to the referee about possible offside.

Just before, there had been a moment that reflected his helplessness, losing a soccer ball. Luka ModricThe turn runs short and loses a race to regain possession.

Many fans also criticized him for his attitude after the match, not saluting the away stand. He also did not show his face in front of the media or in front of the mixed zonewith Modric, Ceballos and Bellingham representing instead.

Ancelotti was asked about the Frenchman’s mood.

“It could be that he lacks a bit of confidence,” the Italian said. “When you have a moment where things aren’t going the way you want them to, the idea you have to have is to play simple and sometimes you make things a little more complicated. But this moment is missing. You can’t judge a player for a missed penalty.

Support to overcome a difficult period

Mbappé is in difficulty and his numbers reflect it. He produced nine goals and two assists in 18 games, at a rate of one goal every 136.5 minutes.

How can he improve his situation?

Maybe the first step is support from within, something he feels.

Club representatives spared no effort to praise him privately with the media, emphasizing his high level during training.

Ancelotti and his teammates also gave their support in public.

“Kylian has been overly criticized, the way he has contributed has been very positive. I see it in training and it’s scary,” Bellingham said in a press conference Tuesday.

“The (missed) penalty is not the reason we lost,” the Englishman said on Wednesday.

“Work and keep fighting and keep going, because the moment will pass,” Ancelotti said. “(A situation like this) has happened to me several times in my career, especially with attackers when they struggle to score. There is a medicine: be patient. Everyone must support him.

Modric, in captain mode, also spoke words of support in the mixed zone: “It’s his first year and it’s never easy, in Madrid, the first years are complicated. He has our trust and knows how to get out of it: don’t lose confidence, work day by day.

Vazquez assured that his teammates “will always support him, he is a world-class player and he will prove it. The team is always there to help.”

Ceballos also gave him a nod. “He’s not scoring the goals he wants to score, but we know better than anyone how hard he works,” he explained. “It’s difficult to settle in at a club like Madrid, but Kylian will do it. I’m sure he will.

(Top photo: Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)