The France captain failed to find the net for the third-straight game in a disappointing draw for Real Madrid.
This is not the Kylian Mbappe that Real Madrid were promised. Los Blancos’ big-name acquisition went missing for the third straight game, failing to have an impact in a forgettable 1-1 draw with Las Palmas.
The home side asserted themselves on the game early, and were good value for their 1-0 lead. Oli McBurnie created it with a sliding pass, and Alberto Moleiro ended it with a calm finish into the bottom corner. It seemed, for long stretches, that Madrid rather forgot how to pass the ball. They were a disjointed side in the first half, and were deservedly down at the break.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side equalised on 68 minutes, though, when Vinicius Jr slotted a penalty into the net after an unfortunate handball in the box. And they never quite created a clear chance from there. Mbappe skewed a couple of efforts wide. Vinicius dribbled and cut to no avail.
By the end of it all, Ancelotti’s big name front three were arguing with each other, frustrated figures as the league favourites dropped points for the second time in three games.
GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from Gran Canaria…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (6/10):
Could do nothing about the home side’s opener. Made a couple of bright stops to keep his team in it.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Showed some bright moments in attack, but could never provide the killer final pass.
Eder Militao (5/10):
Made to look rather silly for the Las Palmas opener, and was easily dispossessed on a few occassions. Yet to recover his pre-injury form.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
Got caught in awkward positions once or twice, but mostly had the legs to recover.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Didn’t do much wrong – or right – and was removed at the half.
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):
Incredibly wayward with some of his passing, especially in the first half. Improved after the break, but really needs to be cleaner at the base of midfield.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Created more chances than anyone else, covered loads of ground, had a free-kick nicely saved.
Luka Modric (6/10):
Floated around, created his fair share of chances, constantly looked to connect in the final third – but his lack of legs was an issue without the ball. His influence waned as the game wore on.
Attack
Brahim Diaz (5/10):
Completed just 71% of his passes, and was often indecisive in 45 disappointing minutes of work.
Kylian Mbappe (4/10):
Cut a frustrated figure in the first half, and started taking random efforts on goal. Lost it with his team-mates on a couple of occasions. Not happening for him, at the moment.
Vinicius Jr (6/10):
Spent most of his time occupying the same spaces as Mbappe. Redeemed himself with a well-taken penalty.
Subs & Manager
Rodrygo (6/10):
Lively off the bench, but didn’t produce his usual moment of magic.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Full of pace on the left. Certainly a better attacking option than Mendy.
Arda Guler (6/10):
Played some interesting passes in the final third. Would’ve come away with an assist had Mbappe been cleaner in front of goal.
Dani Carvajal (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Endrick (N/A):
Late legs for Vinicius. Skied one shot late on.
Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):
Tried to rotate a bit against lesser opposition, and was rather made to pay. Los Blancos were second best for an hour, and didn’t turn it on until it was too late. He needs to figure out how to get a tune out of Mbappe.
