The attacker began the game in his preferred left-wing position but collapsed in the type of match where he was expected to help his new team defeat Real Madrid.

A listless, injury-plagued Real Madrid lost 2-0 in the Champions League at Anfield after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and was generally held back by the Liverpool defense.

The Spanish powerhouse’s problems were typified by the Frenchman, who was of inferior caliber while a more comprehensive team dominated the match.

In the first half, everything felt a little like a normal Madrid Champions League performance. Despite inviting pressure and defending voluntarily, they somehow refused to back down. Early on, Thibaut Courtois was a hero, making three crucial saves in the first forty-five minutes. Another important player was young center-back Raul Asencio, who cleared the ball off the line after Luis Diaz put pressure on him.

However, Alexis Mac Allister scored the first goal for Liverpool following a good combination around the box early in the second half, leaving the goaltender powerless to stop it.

When Lucas Vazquez was hauled down in the box, Los Blancos had a genuine chance to tie the score, but Mbappe was denied the penalties by Caoimhin Kelleher. Mohamed Salah then had his chance to score, but the Egyptian missed it after winning his own spot-kick.

After 77 minutes, Cody Gakpo headed home a corner to give Liverpool a well-earned second goal. Apart from their star player being silent in the type of game he was signed to win on his own, Madrid was quiet moving forward. It would have been unimaginable only a few months ago for Los Blancos to not go past the league phase.

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Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Just loves playing against Liverpool, doesn’t he? Made countless stops, but had no chance against either goal.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

Certainly active at right back, but some of his one-on-one defending wasn’t the best. Much more comfortable when moved to midfield.

Raul Asencio (7/10):

Made a vital clearance early on, and made a good account of himself throughout. A fine showing from the youngster.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Immense in the air, as per usual, and did well in his individual duels. Can’t be blamed for anything here.

Ferland Mendy (4/10):

Engaged in a gripping clash with Salah. Gave away a penalty, and was rather fortunate that Salah missed.

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Midfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Scrappy, and made things difficult for Liverpool in midfield. Was Madrid’s best player before being removed with what appeared to be a hamstring issue.

Jude Bellingham (5/10):

Rather marked out of the game in the first half, and outdone by Mac Allister. Better in the second, but not up to his usual standards.

Luka Modric (5/10):

A big game passed him by, for once. Looked tired when subbed.

Arda Guler (5/10):

Tried to make things happen in the first half, and put a couple of efforts on goal. Disappeared thereafter before being hooked.

Attack

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Full of energy and seemed to have some neat ideas on the ball. Looked much better when given room to roam after Guler was removed.

Kylian Mbappe (3/10):

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Had real trouble against Conor Bradley, couldn’t time a run, and then missed a penalty. This was supposed to be his chance to shine – instead, he was pretty miserable.

Subs & Manager

Dani Ceballos (5/10):

Never made his mark on the game, and couldn’t seem to handle the intensity of things.

Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

Outdone by Gakpo in 30 poor minutes.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Better than Mendy at left-back, and handled Salah pretty well.

Endrick (4/10):

Brought on a few minutes too late. Tried to make things happen, but didn’t get on the ball.

Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):

Put out his strongest side despite facing an injury crisis. He can’t be criticised for Mbappe missing a penalty, but something is wrong here. The Champions League magic is missing.