The attacker started in his favoured left-wing role but flopped in the kind of game he was supposed to help his new team win as Real were outplayed
Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty and was otherwise hamstrung by the Liverpool defence as a listless, injury-hit Real Madrid fell to a 2-0 Champions League defeat at Anfield.
The Frenchman was emblematic of the Spanish giant's struggles, lacking in quality as a more complete side controlled the game.
It all felt a bit like a typical Madrid Champions League showing in the first half. They defended willingly, and invited pressure – all while somehow failing to concede. Thibaut Courtois played hero early on, making three key saves in the first 45 minutes. Young centre-back Raul Asencio was also key, clearing the ball off the line under pressure from Luis Diaz.
The goalie could do little about the Liverpool opener, though – with Alexis Mac Allister firing into the bottom corner after a neat combination around the box early in the second period.
Los Blancos had a real chance to get back in it when Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the box, but Mbappe missed the resulting penalty, as he was denied by Caoimhin Kelleher. After, it was Mohamed Salah's turn to fall short, the Egyptian winning a spot-kick of his own before blasting it wide.
Liverpool added a deserved second after 77 minutes, when Cody Gakpo nodded home a corner. Madrid were otherwise quiet going forward, with their star man silenced in the kind of game he was signed to be able to win singlehandedly. Los Blancos could now fail to make it out of the league phase – something that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Anfield…
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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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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.
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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):
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.