"Kylian can keep his head high" - Bellingham defends Mbappe from critics

BeSoccer 24 days ago 3.1k |

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Kylian Mbappe missed the chance to equalise from the spot. EFE

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham defended Kylian Mbappe against recent criticism after he missed a penalty against Liverpool in the 'Merengues' defeat at Anfield.

Thibaut Courtois frustrated the Reds in a dominant first half from the hosts, just like he did in Madrid's 1-0 Champions League final win between the sides in 2022. Alexis Mac Allister finally made Liverpool's pressure count early in the second period.

But Madrid had the chance to level when Kylian Mbappe's penalty was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher. Mohamed Salah also fired wide from the penalty spot for Liverpool, before Cody Gakpo's header secured the three points.

"He's a wonderful player but the pressure that he holds, because of how good he is, is huge," added Bellingham on Mbappe, who has failed to shine since his much-anticipated move to the Spanish capital.

"The penalty is not the reason why we lost the game. As a collective, we weren't good enough on the night. They performed better than us and it's as simple as that. Kylian can keep his head high. I know for sure that he will produce many more moments that are huge for this club."

Victory ended Liverpool's eight-game winless run against Madrid, that also included defeat in another Champions League final in 2018.