Mbappé’s Confidence Wavers as Real Madrid Stumble Against Athletic Club
It’s not every day that you see Kylian Mbappé, one of the most electrifying talents in world football, struggling to find his rhythm. But that’s exactly what’s happening at Real Madrid right now. After missing his second penalty in just a week, the French superstar is facing mounting pressure, and fans are starting to wonder: is Mbappé cracking under the weight of expectations?
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti didn’t mince words after the team’s 2-1 LaLiga loss to Athletic Club on Wednesday. “He can do better,” Ancelotti said of Mbappé, who had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 68th minute but saw his penalty saved by Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. It was a moment that could have changed the game, but instead, it left Madrid reeling and four points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Another Missed Opportunity
The match at San Mamés was a rollercoaster. Athletic Club’s Álex Berenguer opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, putting the home side ahead. When Mbappé stepped up to the penalty spot 15 minutes later, it felt like the perfect chance for redemption after his miss against Liverpool just a week earlier. But Agirrezabala had done his homework. “We knew he’s a good taker,” the keeper told DAZN. “He had just missed one, and I thought he’d go the same side. Luckily, that’s what happened.”
Mbappé’s miss was compounded by a late winner from Athletic’s Gorka Guruzeta, who capitalized on a mistake by Federico Valverde. Even a brilliant equalizer from Jude Bellingham, who pounced on a rebound from an Mbappé shot, wasn’t enough to salvage the night for Madrid.
Two Penalty Misses in a Week
For Mbappé, this latest miss comes on the heels of another failed penalty attempt in Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool at Anfield. It’s a rare slump for a player who has scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for Madrid this season. But as Ancelotti pointed out, “He isn’t at his best level, but we have to give him time to adapt. He’s scored 10 goals, he can do better, and he’s working to do better.”
Despite the criticism, Ancelotti made it clear that Mbappé will remain one of Madrid’s go-to penalty takers, alongside Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham. “He took the responsibility to take it today, and it didn’t go well,” Ancelotti said. “But in football, that can happen.”
Mbappé Takes Responsibility
After the match, Mbappé didn’t shy away from the criticism. In a heartfelt social media post, he wrote, “Bad result. A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it. A difficult moment but it’s the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
It’s a mature response from a player who knows the spotlight is always on him. But words will only go so far. Madrid fans are eager to see Mbappé bounce back and prove why the club went to such lengths to bring him to the Bernabéu.
What’s Next for Madrid?
The loss to Athletic Club leaves Real Madrid with plenty of questions to answer. Here’s where things stand:
- Madrid are now four points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga standings, though they do have a game in hand.
- Mbappé has missed two penalties in a week, raising concerns about his confidence in high-pressure moments.
- Federico Valverde’s costly mistake adds to the team’s defensive woes.
For Ancelotti, the focus will be on regrouping and getting his team back on track. “Sometimes you score [penalties], sometimes you don’t,” he said. “Obviously he’s sad and disappointed, but we have to carry on.”
Can Mbappé Turn It Around?
There’s no denying Mbappé’s talent. He’s a generational player who has already achieved more at 25 than most players do in their entire careers. But playing for Real Madrid comes with its own set of challenges. The expectations are sky-high, and every misstep is magnified.
For now, Madrid fans will have to trust that Mbappé can find his footing. As Ancelotti said, “He’s working to do better.” And if there’s one thing we know about Mbappé, it’s that he thrives on proving people wrong. The next few weeks will be crucial as he looks to silence the doubters and remind everyone why he’s one of the best in the world.
Originally Written by: Alex Kirkland
