In the early morning of November 28, Mbappe missed a penalty in Real Madrid’s 0-2 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
In the 4th minute, Kylian Mbappe lost the ball dangerously in the middle of the field. Mohamed Salah took the ball from Mbappe’s feet, before passing it to Darwin Nunez to shoot hard from a tight angle, leaving Thibaut Courtois unable to control the situation.
As the ball slowly rolled towards the goal, young defender Asencio rushed to clear the ball right on the goal line, saving the La Liga representative from conceding a goal.
Liverpool kept up the pressure and had another chance in the 10th minute. From Andy Robertson’s pass, Luis Diaz broke free and sent the ball wide of the defending champions’ goal.
Liverpool overwhelmed Real at home.
Liverpool overwhelmed Real at home.
Liverpool overwhelmed Real at home.
Liverpool overwhelmed Real at home.
Liverpool overwhelmed Real at home.
In the 23rd minute, Real’s defense was once again shaken by the home team’s attacks. Space opened up in front of Nunez in the 5.5 meter area but his shot still couldn’t beat Courtois.
Ten minutes later, the visitors’ defense continued to let Nunez slip through and the Uruguayan striker jumped high to head the ball into the penalty area. Courtois stood rooted to the spot but the ball went just wide of the post.
With a patchwork lineup, Real only played with a low formation, patiently waiting for a counter-attack opportunity. In this match, Federico Valverde even had to play as a full-back. Up front, Mbappe replaced Vinicius to become the center of the attacks. However, the French national team captain did not leave an impression against the fierce pursuit of young defender Conor Bradley or experienced veteran Virgil Van Dijk.
In the first half, Real Madrid had 4 chances, all of which were long-range shots by Arda Guler. However, the young Turkish star’s efforts were too inaccurate.
Right after the second half whistle, Liverpool pushed the attack speed to the highest level. In the 52nd minute, the Premier League representative collapsed Real’s crowded defense with a moment of brilliance from Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine midfielder passed the ball to Bradley, before unleashing a cross-angle shot, defeating Courtois.
Liverpool destroyed Real Madrid’s defense.
Liverpool destroyed Real Madrid’s defense.
Liverpool destroyed Real Madrid’s defense.
Liverpool destroyed Real Madrid’s defense.
Liverpool destroyed Real Madrid’s defense.
In a difficult situation, Real Madrid was unexpectedly lucky when they were awarded a penalty, after Vazquez’s experienced fall in the penalty area. The golden opportunity was given to Mbappe but he could not beat Kelleher in a one-on-one situation from 11 meters away.
After Mbappe’s unfortunate miss, Real Madrid were on the brink of collapse, when they were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute. Salah earned the penalty but he himself shot wide, thereby keeping the visitors’ slim hope of a chance to win a point.
Two missed penalties were the highlight of the match at Anfield.
Two missed penalties were the highlight of the match at Anfield.
Two missed penalties were the highlight of the match at Anfield.
Salah wasted the chance but the home fans did not have to regret it for too long. In the 76th minute, the “Red Brigade” extinguished Real’s fighting spirit with a goal doubling the gap after Cody Gakpo’s close-range header.
In the final minutes of the match, the reigning Champions League champions played sluggishly, waiting for the final whistle. Only Endrick showed a desire to prove himself, but the young Brazilian star was too immature in front of the home team’s defense.
The match ended with a convincing victory for Liverpool. This was also the first time since 2009 that the “Red Brigade” defeated Real Madrid in the European Cup.
3 points help coach Arne Slot’s team lead the League Phase, UEFA Champions League rankings with 15 points, while Real Madrid is ranked 24th with 6 points. “Los Blancos” only have 3 matches left to save the situation. The risk of having to play a play-off to compete for a ticket to the knockout round, or even being eliminated from the classification round, is present before coach Ancelotti’s team.
Tactical diagram of the 2 clubs.
Tactical diagram of the 2 clubs.