New Delhi: For the second time in a week, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was put on the spot but he missed to score penalty once again. After missing a penalty at Anfield against Liverpool in the Champions League, the Wednesday penalty in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao seemed like a replay of the same. The defending champions suffered a 2-1 defeat making it fourth loss in the last seven games in all competitions.
Julen Agirrezabala dived to his left to save the stroke just like Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher did a few nights ago. On both occasions, the goal would have been an equaliser for Madrid and ultimately they went on to lose both fixtures. So far Mbappe has missed two of his five penalties for Los Blancos in all competitions, making him the La Liga player who have failed to convert most penalties this season.
Second penalty missed in one week for Kylian Mbappé, again saved by the GK 🧤pic.twitter.com/DZGPbWrO5J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2024
The 25-year-old arrived with sky-high expectations at Madrid who have claimed last season’s La Liga and Champions League title but he has been a shadow of his old self as he is looking out of sync from the rest of the team. In 21 appearances he has scored just 10 goals in all competitions and just seven from open play.
After the first half went stalemate in the second half Alejandro Berenguer Remiro opened the scoreline and netted a spectacular goal for the hosts. The French forward missed a golden opportunity after defender Antonio Rudiger was fouled 15 minutes later. Though Real Madrid made a comeback in the 78th-minute equalizer from Jude Bellingham, a minute later, a costly error by Federico Valverde gifted the ball to Gorka Guruzeta, who capitalized on the opportunity by scoring past Thibaut Courtois, securing the victory for the hosts.
Kylian Mbappe after the match took to Instagram and stated that he take “full responsibility” for his missed penalty.
Carlo Ancelotti defends Mbappe
The man known for his calm demeanor, Carlo Ancelotti refused to single out Kylian Mbappe for the loss. Addressing the situation, he said, “I haven’t spoken to him. I don’t evaluate a player’s performance based on a penalty. He’s sad and disappointed, but we have to keep going.”
Ancelotti further defended Mbappe’s form and confidence, stating, “He’s not at his best, but we have to give him time to adapt. He can do better, and he’s working to do better.”
What next for Madrid?
The loss has left Real Madrid four points behind league leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona. However, Madrid have played one game less. This defeat marks their fifth loss across all competitions this season, contrasting to just two losses in the entirety of last season.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing that the return of injured players will strengthen their campaign and help them get back on track.
Kylian Mbappe misses a crucial penalty as Real Madrid fall 2-1 to Athletic Club, marking their fourth defeat in seven games and raising concerns over Mbappe’s form. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
