Real Madrid’s struggles in the Champions League continued as they fell 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield, with Kylian Mbappe enduring a nightmare evening. The French superstar, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, found himself at the center of a social media storm after his poorly taken penalty was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. The moment encapsulated Madrid’s recent woes, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning Mbappe’s current form and impact since joining Los Blancos.
The match began as a tightly contested affair, with neither side able to find the back of the net in the first half. However, Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Alexis Mac Allister capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the Reds ahead. Real Madrid seemed to have a lifeline just minutes later when Lucas Vazquez was fouled in the box by Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Kylian Mbappe, expected to step up and deliver for his team, instead produced a tame and unconvincing penalty that Kelleher easily saved. It was a moment that not only summed up Mbappe’s underwhelming performance but also epitomized Madrid’s struggles as a team this season.
Fan Backlash and Social Media Outcry
The penalty miss was met with an avalanche of criticism from Real Madrid supporters, who took to social media to vent their frustrations. Many fans have been vocal about Mbappe’s performances since his much-anticipated free transfer to the Spanish capital.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter), @LibanLDN, remarked, “Sums up Mbappe’s night and season so far. He’s making a free transfer seem like a waste of money.” This sentiment was echoed by @MadridArchives, who didn’t hold back, writing: “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.”
Other fans took a more sarcastic approach. @views09 compared Mbappe to one of Madrid’s most disappointing signings in recent memory, asking, “Who is the worst signing in Madrid history? Kylian Mbappe or Eden Hazard?” Meanwhile, @LFCTransferRoom humorously noted, “Conor Bradley turned Kylian Mbappe into ‘Raygun’ 👀.”
These reactions highlight the mounting pressure on Mbappe, who arrived at Real Madrid with sky-high expectations but has struggled to meet them, particularly in crucial moments.
A Broader Issue for Real Madrid
Mbappe’s penalty miss is symptomatic of a larger problem for Real Madrid. The team’s inconsistency, lack of clinical finishing, and defensive lapses have left them in a precarious position in the Champions League. The loss to Liverpool marked Madrid’s third defeat in their last five league-phase matches, leaving them languishing in 24th place, just two points above the relegation zone in the new tournament format.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side has faced criticism for their inability to deliver in key moments, with Mbappe becoming a scapegoat for the team’s broader struggles. The French forward has yet to rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after players in the world, and his penalty miss only adds to the narrative that he has failed to live up to his billing at Madrid.
What’s Next for Los Blancos?
Real Madrid’s path to redemption in the Champions League is anything but easy. Their next fixture is a challenging away match against Atalanta, a team known for its attacking prowess and ability to upset Europe’s elite. Following that, Madrid will host RB Salzburg and Brest at the Santiago Bernabeu in January 2025, games they must win to have any chance of progressing in the competition.
For Kylian Mbappe, the upcoming matches represent an opportunity to silence his critics and prove his worth to the Madrid faithful. However, the pressure is mounting, and both he and the team will need to dig deep to turn their season around.
A Turning Point or More Disappointment?
Mbappe’s penalty miss against Liverpool could either serve as a wake-up call or deepen the crisis at Real Madrid. As fans and analysts continue to debate his impact on the team, the Frenchman has a chance to write his redemption story. Whether he seizes that opportunity remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the scrutiny on him and Real Madrid isn’t going away anytime soon.
The next few weeks will be crucial for both Mbappe and Los Blancos as they navigate one of their toughest periods in recent history. Fans will be hoping for a dramatic turnaround, but for now, frustration and disappointment linger in the Spanish capital.
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