Mbappe requires “encouragement and support” following Real Madrid’s defeat to Liverpool.
The French striker missed a crucial penalty as Real Madrid’s defeat pushed them to the verge of elimination from the Champions League. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has emphasized that his star forward, Kylian Mbappé, needs “support and encouragement” after another frustrating, goalless outing for the Spanish club in the UEFA Champions League.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in hopes of finally lifting the Champions League trophy, saw his dream drift further away on Wednesday. A 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield left the reigning champions in danger of crashing out in the group stage. The night went from bad to worse for Mbappé, who missed a penalty that could have equalized the score and was outshone by Liverpool’s rising talent.
Ancelotti acknowledged after the game that Mbappé is enduring a “difficult moment,” just months after signing with the record 15-time European champions. “We have to show him our support and love, and he’ll get back on track,” said the Italian coach. “It might be a lack of confidence. Sometimes, in tough moments, the best thing is to simplify your game. You can’t blame him for the missed penalty—everyone misses sometimes. We shouldn’t put too much pressure on him.”
The World Cup winner appeared far from his usual self against a dominant Liverpool side leading both the Premier League and Champions League standings this season. Mbappé’s struggles were epitomized by a first-half challenge from 21-year-old Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, who stopped the forward in his tracks to the delight of the home crowd. Things worsened in the second half when Mbappé failed to convert a penalty that could have tied the game. Liverpool’s backup goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, saved the attempt, leaving Mbappé visibly frustrated.
Since leaving PSG as a free agent last summer, Mbappé has scored nine goals in 18 matches for Real Madrid but only one in the Champions League. Madrid have now lost three of their five group-stage games in the revamped tournament format, sitting 24th in the 36-team standings. The top eight teams automatically advance to the round of 16, while teams ranked ninth through 24th enter a playoff.
Ancelotti defended his star player, calling for patience: “He’s an extraordinary talent and a fantastic player. He’ll overcome this tough period.”
Mbappé’s penalty miss wasn’t the only one in the match. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah also failed to score from the spot, but substitute Cody Gakpo sealed the game with a second goal for Liverpool. The victory marked a significant milestone for Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, who achieved something his predecessor, Jürgen Klopp, never managed: beating Real Madrid in the Champions League. Klopp’s record against Madrid included five losses and one draw across six encounters, including two defeats in the final.
With five consecutive wins, Liverpool maintained their perfect record in the competition and sit atop the group standings. Each team will play eight matches in the initial phase, with Real Madrid facing Atalanta next month, while Liverpool take on Girona.
