Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé desperate to erase memories of career “rock bottom” on Liverpool return

Almost a year has passed since Real Madrid last stepped onto the field at Anfield. On November 27, 2024, Los Blancos faced Liverpool in what turned out to be one of Kylian Mbappé’s lowest points since joining the club. Now, as Madrid returns for the fourth game of the Champions League group stage, everything has changed except the jersey. Mbappé is still Mbappé, and Madrid is still Madrid, but the version the Reds will see tonight is a completely different player. Liverpool coach Arne Slot knows exactly who his defenders need to keep their eyes on.

A bittersweet debut season

Mbappé’s first year in Madrid was a mixed bag. Statistically, he shined, scoring 44 goals and collecting the Golden Boot. But the club’s results fell short of expectations. Madrid lifted only two minor trophies, the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, and stumbled badly in both LaLiga and the Champions League.

While Mbappé eventually found his rhythm, his early months in white were inconsistent. When Madrid visited Anfield last season, he had just nine goals to his name and only one in the Champions League. His European form was shaky, and home defeats to Lille and Milan only added to the frustration. Then came the trip to Liverpool, where everything seemed to unravel.

A penalty that marked the turning point

Madrid struggled and ultimately lost 2-0. Yet they had a chance to level the game when Mbappé stepped up to take a penalty. His effort was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher. It was not a terrible strike, but it symbolized the lack of confidence weighing him down.

Just days later, on December 4, 2024, Madrid lost again, this time to Athletic Club in Bilbao, after Mbappé missed another penalty. The French forward opened up about his struggles after a home win over Sevilla later that month. “I know I have a lot more football in me than what I’ve been showing,” he admitted. “Bilbao was good for me because I hit rock bottom. Missing that penalty made me realize I had to give everything for this shirt. I needed to play with personality.”

A new Mbappé on the rise

That version of Mbappé feels long gone. Heading into tonight’s clash, he has scored five goals in three Champions League games and 18 in 14 matches across all competitions this season. Averaging a goal every 68 minutes, he is on pace to comfortably surpass 50 for the year.

This is the Mbappé Madrid dreamed of signing: confident, ruthless, and ready to conquer Europe. A year ago he was living through his own footballing hell. Now he is within reach of the sky.

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