While Mbappé fades, Liverpool shines, and Real Madrid collapses

 

Ancelotti, facing an injury crisis and desperate for a positive result, fielded a 4-2-2-2 formation with Modric and Camavinga in the heart of midfield. Slot, in response, opted for a 4-3-3 with Salah, Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz as the attacking trident.

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Real Madrid, aware of the match's significance, started with intensity, seeking to control the tempo. However, Liverpool, spurred on by the Anfield faithful, responded with suffocating pressure. Salah, with his blistering pace, forced Courtois into a spectacular save to deny the opening goal. Minutes later, it was Darwin Núñez who tested the Belgian keeper with a close-range effort that Courtois miraculously parried away. 

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Mbappé, meanwhile, was imprecise and anonymous in attack. The Frenchman failed to win a single duel, his passes went astray, and his runs were ineffective. He seemed a shadow of the player who dazzled in Paris.

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After the break, Liverpool increased the intensity. A flowing move initiated by Salah, culminated in a cross-shot from Mac Allister that beat Courtois. 1-0. 

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Camavinga's injury forced Ancelotti to make changes. Ceballos and Lucas Vázquez entered the fray, but Madrid struggled to find a response. In a solo effort, Lucas Vázquez took on Robertson, cut inside and was brought down by the Scottish full-back inside the box. A clear penalty to Real Madrid. Mbappé, with the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and under the pressure of the Anfield crowd, stepped up to take it. However, the Frenchman appeared nervous, and his body language betrayed his intentions. Kelleher guessed correctly and saved the spot-kick.

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The game became an end-to-end affair, with both sides searching for a goal. Mendy, beaten by Salah's pace, conceded a penalty. Salah’s effort went wide, brushing the post. Real Madrid – with more heart than head – sought a heroic comeback, but Liverpool sealed the deal. After a series of fruitless Madrid attacks, Liverpool regained possession and launched a lethal counter. Salah drove the ball to the edge of the box, where he found Jones, who with a precise pass found Gakpo unmarked at the far post. The Dutchman, with an unstoppable header, beat Courtois. 2-0.

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The final whistle echoed around Anfield, confirming Real Madrid's defeat and leaving a bitter night to remember. The shadow of three group-stage defeats loomed over the reigning champions, who now face a battle to qualify through the playoffs. Mbappé, with his gaze fixed on the turf, bore the weight of frustration. This was his chance to shine, to prove he could lead the team in Vinicius' absence. But the left wing, his favoured territory, became a stage for errors and imprecision. Mbappé – the star who was supposed to guide Madrid – faded at Anfield, becoming the most criticised figure of the night.