Mbappe shines as Real Madrid prepare for Liverpool clash

With Vinicius Junior sidelined due to injury, Kylian Mbappe is set to lead Real Madrid’s attack in a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool on Wednesday.  

Mbappe, who joined Madrid in a blockbuster summer transfer, has faced challenges both on and off the pitch since arriving in the Spanish capital.

However, he broke a five-match goal drought with a strike against Leganes on Sunday, playing in his preferred left-wing position under Carlo Ancelotti.

While Vinicius created the chance that Mbappe converted at Butarque, the Brazilian’s absence for the next three weeks puts the spotlight firmly on the Frenchman.

Mbappe will need to shoulder the responsibility of providing Madrid’s attacking spark, starting with the trip to Anfield.

Liverpool currently top the group, while defending champions Madrid are struggling in 18th place after surprising losses to Lille and AC Milan in their first four matches.

Vinicius has been instrumental in Europe, netting four goals in the group stage, compared to Mbappe’s single strike.

Despite scoring seven times in 12 La Liga appearances, Mbappe’s form has drawn criticism, with many expecting more from the superstar.

Left out of the French national team in recent international breaks, Mbappe is determined to find his rhythm and deliver on the big stage.

Ancelotti and Madrid fans will hope Mbappe can rise to the occasion as the club fights to regain its footing in Europe.

“I think I put in a good performance, I’m starting to get up to speed with my team-mates,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV after the win over Leganes that took the Spanish champions second in La Liga.

“I can play in every position and I’m ready to help the team and give my all…

“I play on the right, on the left, in the middle and with two up top. It doesn’t matter to me. I want to help the team and score goals.”

– Tactical question –

Madrid coach Ancelotti had been resistent to giving Mbappe time on the left ahead of Vinicius, who also prefers to play on the flank than through the middle.

However with Mbappe finding the net just once in seven matches as a central striker before the Leganes game, the coach decided to tinker his plan by swapping the duo, although he said the decision was based on a fitness issue.

“Playing on the outside is more tiring than through the middle, Vinicius returned from international duty on Thursday and Mbappe was fresher than Vinicius,” said Ancelotti.

“He scored a goal with a fantastic assist from Vini Junior — they’re both improving bit by bit.”

Ancelotti will need to rethink his set-up for the trip to Merseyside to face the Premier League leaders.

Mbappe may be used as part of a two-man strike force with Jude Bellingham an option to play alongside him, after operating in a more withdrawn role this season.

The England star was vital for Madrid in attack last season, stepping into the hole left by Karim Benzema’s departure, but with Mbappe’s arrival Ancelotti moved Bellingham deeper in a bid to find some balance.

Injuries to Vinicius, Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez, along with long-term problems for Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Eder Militao have left Madrid’s squad extremely thin.

Mbappe, linked to a rape investigation in Sweden, which he labelled “fake news”, and embroiled in a battle with former employers PSG over millions of euros in unpaid wages, is already under a lot of pressure.

Ancelotti said Saturday speculation over the striker’s mental health was “ugly” and insisted Mbappe’s form would turn.

A goal against minnows Leganes lightened the load on his shoulders, and Madrid are desperate for more of the same from him against Liverpool.