Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has criticised Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr for their underwhelming display in Los Blancos’ 1-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Real Madrid’s unbeaten run in the competition came to an end after Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half strike sealed the win for the Premier League side. It was also the first time this season that Real Madrid failed to register a single shot on target in Europe’s elite club competition — with both Mbappe and Vinicius struggling to make an impact in the final third.
Reacting to the performance, Bale, who spent several successful seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu, said he was disappointed by the lack of creativity and decisiveness from the attacking duo.
“We didn’t see Mbappe and Vinicius in the final third work a bit of magic and bring Madrid back into the game,” Bale said.
“It was a bit disappointing that in that final third there really wasn’t that kind of quality that you expect from Real Madrid players.
“It’s frustrating, I think they complicate things maybe. Sometimes they just need to try and test the defender. They’re clearly faster than anyone else on the pitch.
“But I think maybe they don’t do it because there’s no one else in the box waiting for the crosses. Maybe they need that focal number nine.”
Bale’s comments have sparked renewed debate among fans and pundits about Real Madrid’s attacking structure, with some agreeing that the absence of a natural striker has limited the team’s effectiveness in big games this season.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid looking to regroup quickly as they aim to bounce back in their next Champions League fixture.
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