Kylian Mbappe is determined to bounce back for Real Madrid after confessing that missing a penalty against Athletic Bilbao was a low point for him.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The France captain has faced criticism in the past few months for an underwhelming start to his journey at Santiago Bernabeu. However, with time, he has started to deliver on the pitch. On Sunday, the 25-year-old opened the scoring for Real Madrid as they cruised to a 4-2 win over Sevilla.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

After the match, Mbappe admitted that he had hit rock bottom after missing a penalty in the club’s loss against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month, however, the Frenchman claimed that his transition stage is over and he is ready to deliver for Los Blancos in the second half of the season.

WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPPE SAID

Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Mbappe said: “I can do a lot more. I know that I have a lot more in my legs. In the last few games I’ve played better. The game in Bilbao was good for me. I hit rock-bottom; I missed a penalty. It was the moment to realise that I have to give my all for this shirt and play with more personality.

“I think we’ve gotten to know each other better. I came into the team and that changes a lot of things, but now, as [coach Carlo Ancelotti] has said, my adaptation has finished and I feel good. We can see on the pitch that I understand my teammates better, and the whole team is playing better.”

AFP

WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

The Spanish champions will now enjoy a brief winter break before they return to action in La Liga on January 3 as they take on Valencia away from home.