When Kylian Mbappe’s terrible penalty was saved by Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher in the Champions League, Real Madrid supporters threw the forward to the ground.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Los Blancos’ night came to a disappointing end as Liverpool won 2-0, further compounding the Spanish team’s Champions League problems. Alexis Mac Allister scored the first goal in the 52nd minute, but Andy Robertson’s penalty-box stop of Lucas Vazquez, a replacement, gave Real Madrid a chance to tie the score immediately after. But Mbappe’s strike from the penalty spot lacked conviction, and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved it.
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WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Real Madrid supporters voiced their frustration with Mbappe on social media, whose recent form has drawn criticism.
One X user, @LibanLDN remarked, “Sums up Mbappe’s night and season so far. He’s making a free transfer seem like a waste of money.”
@TheEuropeanLad wrote: “People tried to move Kylian Mbappé into GOAT lists, btw. Get out of here.”
@views09 compared Mbappe to Eden Hazard: “Who is the worst signing in Madrid history? Kylian Mbappe or Eden Hazard.”
While @MadridArchives wrote: “Mbappe can’t score. Mbappe can’t dribble. Mbappe can’t make a simple pass. Mbappe loses 90% of the duels. He is literally a liability. The sooner we bench him for Endrick the better.”
Whereas @LFCTransferRoom trolled by saying: “Conor Bradley turned Kylian Mbappe into ‘Raygun’ ”
THE LARGER IMAGE
Mbappe’s missed penalty has brought attention to a larger problem with Real Madrid’s recent performances, which have been hampered by a lack of crisp finishing and inconsistency. Fans are expecting Mbappe to live up to his reputation as one of the greatest players in the world, therefore he is under increasing pressure to perform.
Real Madrid is in a vulnerable situation after suffering their third loss in their previous five league-phase games. They are now only two points above the relegation zone in 24th place in the rankings. Madrid’s chances of saving their campaign are dwindling with just three group stage matches left.
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
A difficult away game against Atalanta is one of Real Madrid’s next Champions League games. In January 2025, the team will host RB Salzburg and Brest at the Santiago Bernabeu. Carlo Anceloti’s guys have a difficult journey ahead of them in Europe!