Mbappe tasked with leading Real charge against Liverpool

With Vinicius Junior sidelined, Madrid looks to struggling French superstar to spearhead its attack

MADRID — With Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior injured for the Champions League clash at Liverpool on Wednesday, superstar summer signing Kylian Mbappe will become its key attacking weapon.

The France captain has endured a tough start to life in the Spanish capital, on and off the pitch, but found the net for the first time in five matches at Leganes on Sunday in La Liga.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti started Mbappe in his favored role on the left wing for the first time, and he rewarded the Italian by opening the scoring at Butarque.