Mbappe has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Madrid since leaving Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent at the end of last season. But he has only one goal in the Champions League for his new club, which has lost three of its five games in the revamped competition.

Still, Mbappe missed a penalty and did not resemble any superstar qualities he's exhibited in years past. Though Mo Salah also botched a penalty for Liverpool, Arne Slot's side won thanks to second-half goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.

With just over 30 minutes on the clock and half-time coming into view, Liverpool won a free-kick inside Real Madrid’s half and had the opportunity to apply further pressure on the European champions and turn their wider control into a tangible advantage.

Conor Bradley hadn’t even played in the Premier League at the start of 2024, but less than 12 months later he’s taking on Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League and hasn’t looked one bit overawed.

A coming of age moment for the young defender.