Last week, Real Madrid’s star forward, Kylian Mbappé, faced a setback when he missed a crucial penalty against Liverpool in the Champions League. Despite this disappointment, he was given another opportunity to redeem himself during a La Liga match against Athletic Club in Bilbao, where Real Madrid found themselves trailing 0–1. However, when awarded a penalty kick, Mbappé’s effort was saved by the Athletic goalkeeper, Julen Agirrezabala, as the shot lacked power and precision.
Despite the early struggles, Real Madrid managed to equalize in the 78th minute, thanks to Jude Bellingham. After a shot from Mbappé was parried by the Athletic keeper, Bellingham was quick to react and strike the rebound, giving Real Madrid a momentary lift as they leveled the score. This goal provided hope for the Madrid side, who were looking to secure a vital away point as they aimed for the top of the La Liga table.
However, the joy was short-lived for the visitors. Just two minutes later, Federico Valverde, while trying to control the ball, lost possession in a dangerous area. This mistake allowed Athletic’s substitute, Gorka Guruzeta, to capitalize on the lapse in concentration, scoring the decisive goal that put Athletic Club ahead 2–1 in the 80th minute. Real Madrid’s defensive fragility was once again exposed, leading to frustration among their players and fans alike.
Following this match, Real Madrid remains competitive in La Liga, holding second place in the standings. However, they find themselves four points behind their arch-rivals Barcelona. The Madrid club does have the advantage of one game in hand, providing them with a crucial opportunity to close the gap and maintain pressure on Barcelona as the season progresses.
Athletic Club’s victory was significant for their aspirations as well, as they currently sit in fourth place in the league table, although they still trail Barcelona by eight points. The win showcased their resilience and ability to seize opportunities, reflecting a positive trajectory for the Bilbao-based team as they aim for a strong finish in the league.
Overall, this match served as a reminder of the highs and lows of football. While Kylian Mbappé’s struggles continued, the emergence of Jude Bellingham and the importance of team cohesion were highlighted throughout the fixture. Real Madrid must address their defensive vulnerabilities and find ways to capitalize on scoring opportunities if they wish to challenge for the La Liga title in the coming weeks.
