Kylian Mbappe’s recent performances have raised eyebrows as the French superstar missed a crucial penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club at San Mames. This marked the second penalty miss in eight days for the forward, who also failed to convert from the spot during Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool. Manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted Mbappe is “not at his best level” but remains confident in his ability to recover and contribute more effectively to the team.
A Night to Forget for Mbappe
Mbappe had a golden opportunity in the 68th minute to bring Real Madrid back on level terms when the team was trailing 1-0. However, Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala denied him, replicating the scenes from the Champions League match against Liverpool just days earlier. Mbappe’s miss came at a crucial juncture, leaving Madrid unable to capitalize on their momentum.
Jude Bellingham temporarily restored hope for Los Blancos with an equalizer in the 78th minute. However, just two minutes later, substitute Gorka Guruzeta punished Federico Valverde’s error to score the decisive goal for the Basque side, sealing Madrid’s fate.
Ancelotti Defends Mbappe
In his post-match interview, Carlo Ancelotti addressed concerns about Mbappe’s form and defended the forward amidst criticism. When asked about a journalist’s comment that Mbappe looked like “1% of the player he was at Paris Saint-Germain,” Ancelotti responded firmly.
“It’s much more than 1%,” Ancelotti said. “He is not at his best level, but you have to give him time to adapt. He has scored 10 goals and is working to do better.”
The Italian coach refused to pin the blame on the missed penalty, emphasizing that such moments are part of the game. “I don’t have to evaluate a player’s game because of a penalty that is sometimes scored and sometimes missed. Obviously, he is sad and disappointed, but we have to continue.”
Mbappe’s penalty responsibilities are shared with teammates Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham. Ancelotti reiterated his confidence in all three players, stating, “Vinicius has usually taken a lot of penalties, and all of them are good. The ones who take penalties are Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius.”
Mbappe’s Dip in Form
Since joining Real Madrid, Mbappe has faced challenges adapting to the team’s dynamics. He has managed just three goals in his last 11 matches across all competitions. While his season tally stands at 10 goals in 20 appearances, three of those have come from the penalty spot, raising questions about his overall contribution during open play.
Despite the criticism, Ancelotti urged patience, pointing out that adjustments take time. “It was a complicated match – even, fought, competitive. When we equalized, we could think of having control, but small details penalized us tonight,” he explained.
Valverde’s Costly Error
While Mbappe’s missed penalty grabbed the headlines, Federico Valverde’s mistake played a pivotal role in Athletic Club’s victory. In the 80th minute, Valverde lost possession in a dangerous area, allowing Guruzeta to capitalize and score the winning goal.
Ancelotti was quick to defend the Uruguayan midfielder, highlighting his overall importance to the team. “He made a mistake, but you don’t have to touch him. Fede [Valverde] is a great player. Mistakes in football are made, like everyone else. We have to look at the next game,” said Ancelotti.
Athletic Club’s Strong Performance
Athletic Club demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline throughout the match, earning praise from Ancelotti for their efforts. The Basque side took the lead through an early goal and maintained their composure, forcing Real Madrid to work hard for every opportunity.
“Athletic is a very dangerous team. We competed and fought. I think the match was a draw. For what the two teams did, for me, it was a draw, but there’s nothing to say about the fact that they have won,” Ancelotti commented.
The loss leaves Real Madrid four points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, adding pressure as the season progresses.
Real Madrid’s Tactical Struggles
Ancelotti acknowledged that his side could have done better in certain phases of the game. “I think we did well defensively in the first half, but we could have done better with the ball,” he said. “In the second half, we were better in attack and had chances.”
Despite the setback, the Italian manager remained optimistic about the team’s title aspirations. “It’s nothing; we are still in the fight. We could have gotten a worse result, but we’re there, and let’s think about Saturday’s game in Girona.”
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid must quickly regroup as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. The team faces Girona next, a match that will test their resilience and ability to bounce back. For Mbappe, the focus will be on regaining confidence and consistency as he continues to adapt to the demands of playing in Spain.
While the French forward’s recent struggles have drawn criticism, Ancelotti’s faith in his star player remains unwavering. Mbappe’s talent and track record suggest that he has the ability to overcome this rough patch and re-establish himself as one of the world’s top players.
For now, Real Madrid will need to address their defensive lapses and improve their overall efficiency in front of goal if they are to close the gap on Barcelona in the La Liga title race. The pressure is on, and the coming weeks will reveal whether this setback was a minor blip or a sign of deeper issues within the squad.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Mbappe and Real Madrid to see how they respond to this challenging period.
