Kylian Mbappe endured a ‘true nightmare’ against Liverpool, claim Spanish press – with Real Madrid star branded a ‘shadow of what he is supposed to be’

Spanish media have claimed Kylian Mbappe is a symbol for Real Madrid’s current problems after the forward endured a ‘nightmare’ in the Spanish giants’ 2-0 defeat by Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Mbappe struggled to make an impact on the match at Anfield, with Real Madrid’s marquee summer signing continuing to endure a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital.

The 25-year-old has struggled to find his best form since joining Real Madrid in a long-awaited move in the summer.

Mbappe had the opportunity to level on the night from the spot for Los Blancos after Alexis Mac Allister had put Liverpool ahead, but the forward saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

Mohamed Salah also missed from the spot for Liverpool, but a 76th minute effort from Cody Gakpo ensured Arne Slot‘s side would claim the three points. 

Spanish newspaper Marca highlighted how the match at Anfield was an opportunity for Mbappe to thrive in his favoured position on the left wing, with Vinicius Jnr ruled out through injury.

Spanish media claimed Kylian Mbappe had a ‘true nightmare’ against Liverpool at Anfield

Mbappe saw a penalty saved at 1-0 down with Real Madrid ultimately suffering a 2-0 defeat

Mbappe was branded a ‘shadow of what he is supposed to be’ by Spanish newspaper Marca

His display was labelled as a ‘true nightmare’, with the newspaper claiming his performance will have confirmed Real Madrid’s coaching staff’s view that Vinicius Jnr is the best option in the role.

‘The French star lived a true nightmare against Liverpool, the best defence in the Premier League, to end up completing a game that will take a long time to forget,’ journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote in Marca.

‘And if before what happened in this game the coaching staff had no doubts about who should be the owner of the left wing of Madrid, Mbappe’s performance ended up dictating the sentence. 

‘Erratic in the pass, in the controls and with such diminished confidence that it seemed difficult for anything to go well for him.’

The defeat leaves reigning champions Real Madrid in a precarious position in the new-look Champions League.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are languishing in 24th place in the 36-team league phase after suffering their third defeat in five matches.

Real Madrid are clinging onto the final play-off spot in the Champions League with three matches remaining of the league phase.

Mbappe was viewed as a reflection of Real Madrid’s current issues in big matches this season.

Mbappe failed to shine at Anfield in the absence of fellow Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr

Carlo Ancelotti defended Mbappe and called for patience amid the forward’s struggles

The Spanish giants were thrashed 4-0 at home by rivals Barcelona last month, while they have suffered defeats in the Champions League to Lille, AC Milan and Liverpool.

‘Madrid continue to offer very little in important games this season,’ Marca wrote. ‘And the reflection of this situation is the face of Kylian Mbappe, a player who is a shadow of what he is supposed to be. 

‘The Frenchman missed a penalty at 1-0 that would have put Madrid in the game, although his error from the eleven meters was the least of it. 

‘Without Vinicius, on the night when he was most expected, he had a calamitous game.’

Ancelotti came to the defence of Mbappe post-match, with the Real Madrid boss insisting that patience is required with the forward.

‘It has happened many times that forwards have a hard time scoring. There is a medicine which is to be patient,’ Ancelotti said.

‘It is a difficult moment for him, especially after missing the penalty. Everyone has to support him.’

He added: ‘He may be a bit lacking in confidence. When things don’t go your way, the idea you have to have is to play simple.

‘It’s a bit like this moment, but you can’t judge him for missing a penalty. All players miss penalties. He has to keep working well. We have to be patient because he’s an extraordinary player.’