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 that Kylian Mbappe is a symbol of Real Madrid’s current problems after the striker endured a ‘nightmare’ in the Spanish giants’ 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Mbappe struggled to make an impact in the match at Anfield as Real Madrid’s summer signing endured a difficult start in the Spanish capital.

The 25-year-old has scored just twice since joining Real Madrid in a long-awaited move last summer.

Mbappé had the chance to level for Los Blancos from the spot that evening after Alexis Mac Allister had given Liverpool the lead, but the striker saw his penalty saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

Mohamed Salah also missed from the spot for Liverpool, but Cody Gakpo’s effort in the 76th minute 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 favored position, with Vinicius Jnr ruled out through injury.

Mbappé saw a penalty saved when trailing 1-0, while Real Madrid ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat

Mbappé was labeled a ‘shadow of what he should be’ by Spanish newspaper Marca

His performance was labeled a ‘real nightmare’, with the newspaper claiming that his performance would have confirmed the Real Madrid coaching staff’s view that Vinicius Jr. is the best option in the role.

“The French star lived a real nightmare against Liverpool, the best defense in the Premier League, to finally complete a match that will take a long time to forget,” journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote in Marca.

‘And if before what happened in this match the coaching staff had no doubts about who should be the owner of Madrid’s left wing, Mbappé’s performance ultimately dictated the punishment.

‘Irregular in passing, in control and with such reduced confidence that it seemed difficult for anything to go right for him.’

The defeat leaves reigning champion Real Madrid in a precarious position in the new Champions League.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are in 24th place in the 36-team league stage after their third defeat in five games.

Real Madrid are clinging to the final play-off spot in the Champions League with three games remaining in the competition phase.

Mbappe was seen as a reflection of Real Madrid’s current problems in big games this season.

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

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

“Madrid still offers very little in important matches this season,” wrote Marca. ‘And the reflection of this situation is the face of Kylian Mbappé, a player who is a shadow of what he should be.

‘The Frenchman missed a penalty at 1-0 that could have brought Madrid into the game, although his mistake from the penalty spot was the least.

‘Without Vinicius, he played a disastrous match on the night he was most expected.’

Ancelotti came to Mbappe’s defense after the match, with the Real Madrid boss emphasizing the need for patience with the forward.

‘It has often happened that attackers have difficulty scoring. There is a medicine that requires patience,” Ancelotti said.

“It’s a difficult moment for him, especially after missing the penalty. Everyone should support him.’

He added: “He may be a little lacking in confidence. When things don’t go your way, you should feel like you have to play simple.

‘It seems a bit at the moment, but you can’t judge him on missing a penalty. All players miss penalties. It must continue to work well. We have to be patient because he is an extraordinary player.’