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 BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe’s penalty miss has highlighted a broader issue with Real Madrid’s recent performances, which have been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of clinical finishing. For Mbappe, the pressure to deliver is mounting, with fans expecting him to live up to his reputation as one of the world’s best players.
The defeat marked Real Madrid’s third loss in their last five league-phase matches, leaving the team in a precarious position. They currently sit 24th in the standings, just two points above the relegation zone. With only three games remaining in the group stage, time is running out for Madrid to salvage their campaign.
AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?
Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures in the Champions League include a challenging away match against Atalanta, followed by home games against RB Salzburg and Brest at the Santiago Bernabeu in January 2025. A tough road ahead for Carlo Anceloti’s men in Europe!