Kylian Mbappe’s big-game struggles deepen as Real Madrid lose to Atletico de Madrid

Kylian Mbappe’s difficult start to life at Real Madrid continued as he was largely anonymous in their 2-1 defeat by Atletico de Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

The France forward, who is heading towards a third troubled season with the Spanish club, was barely involved after half-time as Real Madrid searched for an equaliser. He again struggled to find a way through Diego Simeone’s well-organised defensive system.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Mbappe has scored eight goals and provided two assists in eight appearances this season. The 27-year-old has now gone without scoring in three matches, having also failed to find the net against Espanyol and Real Betis.

He did not register a shot on target against Atletico and lost possession 15 times. Mbappe has won only two trophies since joining Real Madrid more than two years ago, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his performances in important matches.

His record against Atletico de Madrid since moving to the Bernabeu is particularly concerning. In six meetings, Real Madrid have won twice – with Mbappe starting only one of those victories – drawn once and lost three times. He has also missed two other matches against the club because of injury, while scoring only twice in those six appearances.

The latest display came at a damaging moment in the Ballon d’Or race, with voting due to close on 28 September. Mbappe, the 2018 World Cup winner, has repeatedly said he deserves the award ahead of Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane.

However, he began this season six goals behind Raphinha. Mbappe previously played down comparisons with the Brazilian after media coverage linked the two players, saying: “I can pretend to be stupid and say that I score more goals than Raphinha and Dembele and that they need to score more goals.”

Barcelona record also raises questions

Mbappe’s statistics against Barcelona since joining Real Madrid are stronger individually but have brought little team success. He has scored six goals in six meetings and missed another because of injury.

Real Madrid have won only one clasico in which Mbappe has played. That victory came by a 2-1 scoreline under manager Xabi Alonso, while the remaining matches ended in defeat, including three finals.

Before fulfilling his ambition of playing for Real Madrid, Mbappe had enjoyed a positive record against Barcelona with Paris Saint-Germain. He scored six goals in four matches, with Paris Saint-Germain winning twice, drawing once and losing once.

Instead, the partnership between Mbappe and Real Madrid is increasingly restricting both the player and the club’s ambitions.