Kylian Mbappé Takes Responsibility for Penalty Miss as Real Madrid Lose to Athletic Bilbao

Kylian Mbappé has admitted his penalty miss was a "big mistake" as Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao in La Liga. This is the second time in a week that the French superstar has missed a penalty, following his failure against Liverpool in the Champions League. The defeat sees Real Madrid slip further behind league leaders Barcelona, who now hold a four-point advantage.

Mbappé’s Miss Marks a Tough Night for Real Madrid

Mbappé’s penalty miss came at a critical moment, with the score tied at 1-1 after Jude Bellingham had equalized for Madrid following an early goal from Alejandro Berenguer. The match saw Real Madrid struggle despite creating chances, with Mbappé notably playing a role in the equalizer, but failing to convert from the spot.

Athletic Bilbao Seize the Moment

Athletic Bilbao capitalized on the opportunity with Gorka Guruzeta scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute. Guruzeta’s goal came after a mistake by Madrid’s Fede Valverde, and Madrid’s efforts in the dying moments were in vain. The loss marked Madrid's fifth defeat of the season, a worrying trend as the team grapples with injuries to key players like Vinicius Junior.

Kylian Mbappé’s Humble Admission

After the match, Mbappé took full responsibility for the penalty miss, acknowledging the impact of his error on the game. The striker shared his thoughts on social media, expressing disappointment but also determination to bounce back.

“A big mistake in a match where every detail counts. I take full responsibility for it,” Mbappé wrote on Instagram. “A difficult moment, but it's the best time to change this situation and show who I am.”

Despite the setback, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remained supportive of Mbappé, acknowledging the player’s struggle to find consistency since joining from Paris Saint-Germain. Ancelotti believes the striker’s potential is still evident and that with time, Mbappé will reach his best form.

Real Madrid's Penalty Woes and Missed Opportunities

Madrid had the chance to take control of the match after a foul on Antonio Rudiger resulted in a penalty. However, Mbappé’s weak attempt was saved by Bilbao’s goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, who anticipated the French forward’s direction. This penalty miss came just a week after Mbappé’s failure against Liverpool in the Champions League.

"I thought he would go the same way as last time," Agirrezabala said after the match. "Luckily, he did, and I was able to save it." Despite Mbappé’s miss, Real Madrid equalized soon after, with Bellingham scoring his fourth goal in four consecutive league games. However, Madrid’s joy was short-lived as Bilbao regained the lead through Guruzeta’s opportunistic strike.

Real Madrid's Struggles Continue

The loss to Bilbao added to Real Madrid’s growing list of disappointments this season. With five defeats in 2024-2025, the defending La Liga champions are far from the dominant force they were last year when they won both La Liga and the Champions League. However, Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team’s potential to improve once more players return from injury.

"Bit by bit, we will get players back, and we will improve our level," Ancelotti promised in his post-match comments.

A Challenging Road Ahead for Los Blancos

Real Madrid’s defeat at San Mamés was a bitter blow to their title hopes, especially with Barcelona leading the standings. Mbappé’s penalty miss only added to the pressure on the French forward, who is still adapting to life at Madrid. With critical games ahead, the team will need to regroup and regain their rhythm to keep their season on track.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

With key players sidelined due to injury, Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome their current struggles. The team will need to rely on their depth and experience to weather this difficult period.

Key Takeaways:

Mbappé misses penalty as Real Madrid loses 2-1 to Athletic Bilbao.
Loss allows Barcelona to maintain a four-point lead at the top.
Mbappé admits responsibility for his penalty miss, vows to improve.
Real Madrid's injury problems continue to affect their performance.
Gorka Guruzeta scores the winner for Bilbao, sealing Madrid's defeat.