Kylian Mbappé struggles again as he misses another penalty kick

In Spain, Kylian Mbappé faced criticism after missing another penalty kick in a recent match against Athletic Bilbao. The match took place on December 4, 2024, and resulted in a 2-1 defeat for Real Madrid. This loss affected their position in the league, leaving them four points behind rivals Barcelona. The atmosphere in the Madrid camp was tense, especially as they had struck a positive note with three consecutive wins prior to this match. The pressures of being a high-profile player, especially following a significant transfer, have led to heightened scrutiny over Mbappé's performances. During the match, Mbappé had a chance to equalize in the 68th minute but saw his penalty saved by Athletic's goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala. This penalty miss compounded a challenging start to his career at Real Madrid, where he had previously missed a penalty in a Champions League match against Liverpool just a week earlier. The French star couldn’t capitalize on the chances he did create, as he also had a goal disallowed for offside earlier in the same game. Coach Carlo Ancelotti defended Mbappé, stating that one missed penalty should not define a player's performance. He acknowledged that while Mbappé is struggling to find his best form, it's crucial for him to have time to adapt to his new environment. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of remaining calm under pressure and reassured fans that players can improve over time, despite the disappointments experienced in recent matches. The loss to Athletic Bilbao marked another setback for Real Madrid, who have dropped five out of their last eleven games in all competitions. The team's lack of consistency has led to concerns among fans and analysts alike. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao celebrated their fourth consecutive victory, solidifying their place in the upper tier of the league, while the defeat has left Madrid looking to regroup and refocus in the coming matches. The pressure is on for Mbappé and his teammates as they aim to reclaim lost points in the league and restore their position as serious title contenders.