Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Wednesday, increasing pressure on Kylian Mbappe after another penalty miss.
At Bilbao's San Mames stadium, Alejandro Berenguer gave the home side the lead early in the second half. Jude Bellingham equalized for Madrid after Mbappe's penalty was saved. Substitute Gorka Guruzeta scored the winning goal for Athletic in the 80th minute following a Fede Valverde error.
Mbappe missed a penalty last week against Liverpool in the Champions League. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Mbappe's disappointment.
"Obviously (Mbappe) is sad, disappointed, but he has to continue," Ancelotti told reporters.
The French forward has scored 10 goals in 20 games for Real Madrid but has faced criticism for inconsistent performances. Ancelotti defended Mbappe, stating he needs time to adapt.
"He's not at his best level but we have to give him time to adapt, he's scored 10 goals, he can do better and he's working to do that," said Ancelotti.
Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala anticipated Mbappe's penalty.
"These days we study everything a lot, I knew he was a good taker and he'd missed the last one, I thought he would go the same way and luckily he did," Agirrezabala told DAZN.
The loss leaves Real Madrid four points behind league leaders Barcelona. Real Madrid have played one less game. This is Real Madrid's fifth defeat this season, contrasting with only two losses across all competitions last season. Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team's ability to improve as injured players return.
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