After FC Barcelona took the lead on Tuesday, Real Madrid followed suit a day later. The Royals ended their winless streak in La Liga at Athletic Bilbao and remain close behind the leaders. Mbappé stood out in particular for the enthusiastic Madrilenians with two goals and an assist.
Three consecutive draws in the league, lost the top spot in the table: Real Madrid was under pressure on this early 19th matchday—the Royals will be playing in the Supercopa in January, which is why the match against Athletic Bilbao took place now. The Madrid team had recently been held to a 1-1 draw at FC Girona, while leaders Barcelona had won 3-1 against Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, extending their lead to four points. The Royals, for whom coach Xabi Alonso Carreras fielded Arda Güler (both bench) in place of Fran Garcia and Camavinga, clearly understood the task at hand when they visited Bilbao. Mbappé and Vinicius Junior in particular were extremely enthusiastic in the opening minutes. In the 4th minute, Mbappé had Real’s first big chance, but Unai Simon made a strong save from close range. The Bilbao keeper was then on hand to save a long-range shot from Vinicius Junior (5th minute), but was beaten shortly afterwards. Mbappé started a solo run from almost the center circle, cut inside at the edge of the box and gave Unai Simon no chance with his shot into the right corner (7′). It was the Frenchman’s 15th goal of the season in 15 games.
Mbappé shows his vision – and then seals the deal himself
The Basques’ defense was anything but solid in the early stages, making further minor mistakes, but Madrid was unable to capitalize on them at first. Instead, Courtois had to make two saves at the other end. First with a powerful shot from Guruzeta into the near corner (26′), then shortly afterwards with an excellent one-armed save from close range against Alex Berenguer (30′).
After that, however, it was once again the Royal’s offense that shone. Vinicius Junior failed to beat Unai Simon after a perfect long ball from Eder Militao (38′), but shortly before half-time, the second goal came. Alexander-Arnold lobbed the ball from the right to the far post, Mbappé headed it across the five-meter box to Camavinga, who only had to nod it in (42′).
After the break, trailing 0-2, Bilbao initially tried to do more in attack. However, nothing compelling came of it, with Courtois saving Jauregizar’s long-range shot from around 30 meters (49′). Shortly afterwards, Real sealed the deal – and once again, Mbappé was the star of the show. The Frenchman had far too much space on the left, a good 26 meters in front of the goal, and punished his opponents with a long-range shot into the bottom left corner (59′).
Concerns about Alexander-Arnold
Not much else happened after that, apart from a long-range volley from Fede Valverde, which Unai Simon was able to save (82′). Real didn’t allow anything else defensively and confidently played out the clock – Bilbao had no answer. The only downside for Los Blancos was that Alexander-Arnold twisted his right ankle while clearing the ball and had to leave the game shortly afterwards. However, a diagnosis is still pending.
Thanks to the deserved three points, which were eagerly awaited after three consecutive draws, Los Blancos remain close behind leaders Barcelona, now one point behind with 15 games played each. Real Madrid will continue their campaign in front of their home crowd against Celta Vigo on Sunday (9 p.m.). Bilbao, meanwhile, remain stuck in mid-table and will once again welcome visitors from Madrid on Saturday – this time fourth-placed Atletico (9 p.m.).
