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Bale Calls Out Mbappé & Vinícius Jr After Liverpool Loss- 'They Complicate Things'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 11:52 AM ET

Real Madrid suffered their first loss in the Champions League this season last night, losing 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield.

It is the second loss for Real Madrid this season, and the performance has caused concerns among many Real Madrid fans. Real Madrid were only able to take two shots on target and not create many opportunities.

The focus immediately went to the forwards of Real Madrid, specifically Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. Among the two players, only three shots were taken, and none were on target.

One who expressed disappointment and frustration towards the performances of the two attacking stars was Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale. The Welsh star was on the CBS UCL Today show and was asked about Real Madrid's performance against Liverpool.

As a former attacker for Real Madrid, Bale expressed his disappointment with the team overall, but wanted to see a spark in the attack, especially from Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior (left) and Kylian Mbappe react during the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

Bale was asked what was missing in Real Madrid's performance against Liverpool, and the former Real Madrid player points to the attack.

Bale said, "Just that spark up front, I think. We didn't see Mbappe and Vinicius in that final third, really just do a bit of magic and get them back into the game. It was just a bit disappointing that the final third there wasn't really that quality you would expect from Real Madrid players."

Bale on his frustration with Mbappe and Vinicius

Bale expressed his frustration with Mbappe and Vinicius on the pitch and thinks they complicate things during games when attacking.

When Micah Richards asked him about why Vinicius and Mbappe do not use their pace often, Bale suggested that they do not do the simple things.

Bale answers and says, "It's frustrating, I think. They just complicate things, maybe. I think sometimes you just need to knock it and test the defender. They're clearly quicker than anyone on that field...Maybe because there's not someone else in the box waiting for the crosses. Maybe you need that focal number nine."

“It was just a bit disappointing that final third there wasn’t really that kind of quality you’d expect from Real Madrid players.”@GarethBale11 and Thierry Henry on Real Madrid’s lack of end product tonight ️ pic.twitter.com/SiacuTKSRz
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) November 4, 2025