Mbappe's Role in Real Madrid's Defeat to Athletic Bilbao, Carlo Ancelotti Takes the Blame

Carlo Ancelotti stressed that Kylian Mbappe could perform even better after failing to execute his second penalty kick in a week when Real Madrid lost to Athletic Bilbao .
Real Madrid lost when visiting Bilbao's headquarters in the continuation of the 2024/25 La Liga match . Playing at San Mames, Thursday (12/5/2024) early morning WIB, they lost 1-2.
Alex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta were the key players for Ernesto Valverde's side. Los Blancos were only able to reply through Jude Bellingham.

In fact, Real Madrid had a chance to win if Mbappe's execution was not thwarted by Julen Agirrezabala. With this defeat, Los Blancos are four points behind Barcelona in La Liga.

Ancelotti Defends Mbappe
Previously, Mbappe also failed to execute a penalty when Real Madrid faced Liverpool in the Champions League. In that match they lost with a score of 0-2.
After the match, Ancelotti was quick to defend the Frenchman and stressed that his team's defeat was not due to Mbappe's failure to convert a penalty.
"I haven't spoken to him ," said Ancelotti.
"I can't judge a player's game based on penalties. Sometimes you score, sometimes you don't. Obviously he's sad and disappointed, but we have to move on."

Keep Believing in Mbappe
Ancelotti said that Mbappe will continue to be Real Madrid's penalty taker, along with Vinicius Junior and Bellingham.
"He is not at his best yet, but we have to give him time to adapt. He has scored 10 goals, he can do better, and he is trying to do better," said Ancelotti.

Take Responsibility
Mbappe has scored 10 goals in 20 appearances for Madrid so far, but has come in for criticism for his performances in the last month and he took full responsibility for the results on his personal social media.
"Bad result. A big mistake in a game where every detail counts," Mbappe wrote.
"I take full responsibility for that. It's a difficult moment but it's the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”
(Source:  ESPN)