Kylian Mbappe’s penalty miss proved costly as a lacklustre Real Madrid slumped to a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield, leaving their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages hanging in the balance.
The Frenchman, who started in his preferred left-wing role, was emblematic of the Spanish giant’s struggles, lacking in quality as a more complete Liverpool side controlled the game. Despite being under pressure for much of the first half, Real Madrid managed to keep Liverpool at bay, thanks in large part to the heroics of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made three crucial saves.
Young centre-back Raul Asencio also impressed, clearing the ball off the line under pressure from Luis Diaz. However, Liverpool eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half, with Alexis Mac Allister firing into the bottom corner after a neat combination around the box.
Real Madrid were handed a lifeline when Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the box, but Mbappe’s penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. Mohamed Salah also missed a penalty for Liverpool, blasting his effort wide. However, the hosts eventually added a deserved second goal after 77 minutes, with Cody Gakpo nodding home a corner.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes in jeopardy, with the Spanish giants facing the possibility of failing to make it out of the group stage – a prospect that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago.
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