Real Madrid’s visit to San Mamés turned into a nightmare as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Club in a high-octane La Liga clash. Despite Jude Bellingham’s continued brilliance, defensive lapses and a costly missed penalty by Kylian Mbappe left Carlo Ancelotti’s team ruing their missed opportunities. The loss is a blow to their title aspirations, widening the gap with Barcelona at the top of the league.
A Tough Night in San Mamés
Known for its electrifying atmosphere, San Mamés proved to be a fortress once again. Athletic Club, buoyed by their passionate home supporters, started the game on the front foot, putting Real Madrid under immense pressure from the opening whistle. Los Blancos struggled to find their rhythm as Athletic’s high pressing and quick transitions forced errors and disrupted their flow.
Real Madrid’s attacking stars, including Mbappe and Rodrygo, failed to make a meaningful impact during the first half. A few speculative efforts and a disallowed Mbappe goal for offside were the closest the visitors came to scoring. Meanwhile, Athletic Club created several promising chances, signaling their intent to exploit Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
Courtois’ Costly Error
The turning point of the match came early in the second half. A teasing cross into the Real Madrid box was mishandled by Thibaut Courtois, who parried the ball directly into the path of Alex Berenguer. The Athletic forward made no mistake, slotting the ball into the net from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead.
Mbappe’s Penalty Woes Continue
Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to level the score when Antonio Rudiger won a penalty. Kylian Mbappe, already under scrutiny for a recent penalty miss, stepped up to take the spot-kick. However, his effort was saved by reserve goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala, marking Mbappe’s second consecutive miss from the spot. The miss proved to be a psychological blow for Los Blancos, who struggled to regain momentum.
Bellingham Shines Again
Jude Bellingham, Madrid’s standout performer this season, provided a glimmer of hope. With just 12 minutes left, the English midfielder latched onto a loose ball inside the box and slotted it home, leveling the score at 1-1. His goal was a testament to his instinct, composure, and ability to rise to the occasion when his team needed him most.
Athletic’s Immediate Response
Madrid’s hopes for a late comeback were dashed almost instantly. Federico Valverde’s uncharacteristic error in midfield allowed Athletic Club to launch a quick counterattack. Gorka Guruzeta capitalized on the mistake, calmly finishing past Courtois to restore the home side’s lead. Despite their best efforts in the dying minutes, Madrid could not muster another equalizer.
Recurring Issues for Real Madrid
Defensive Fragility
This defeat highlighted Real Madrid’s defensive shortcomings. Both goals conceded were a result of individual mistakes—a worrying trend for a team aspiring to compete at the highest level. While their defensive line has shown moments of brilliance this season, lapses in concentration have often proved costly.
Lack of Cohesion in Attack
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, Madrid’s attack lacked cohesion and cutting edge. Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, in particular, struggled to combine effectively, and the absence of a clear focal point in the attack was evident. While Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring form has been a saving grace, relying on a midfielder for goals is not sustainable in the long run.
Mbappe’s Confidence Crisis
Kylian Mbappe’s penalty struggles are becoming a growing concern. The French superstar, brought in to bolster Madrid’s attack, has failed to deliver from the spot in two crucial matches. This dip in confidence could have broader implications for the team, as penalties are critical moments that often decide matches in tight contests.
Jude Bellingham: Madrid’s Bright Spark
While the team faltered, Jude Bellingham continued to shine. The young Englishman has been a revelation since his arrival, seamlessly integrating into the squad and consistently delivering standout performances. His ability to influence games both defensively and offensively has made him an indispensable part of Ancelotti’s plans. Bellingham’s goal in this match was his fourth in as many La Liga games, underlining his value as a match-winner.
Lessons for Carlo Ancelotti
This defeat raises questions about Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical approach. While he fielded a strong starting XI, the team lacked intensity and struggled to adapt to Athletic Club’s high-energy game. Substitutions came too late to impact the game, and the overall strategy seemed reactive rather than proactive.
Ancelotti must address several key issues, including the team’s defensive frailties, attacking inefficiencies, and Mbappe’s penalty struggles. As the season progresses, these weaknesses could prove decisive in the title race.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid now faces an uphill battle in their quest for La Liga glory. With Barcelona extending their lead at the top of the table, every match becomes a must-win for Los Blancos. Ancelotti’s men will need to regroup quickly, as they cannot afford to drop more points in a highly competitive league.
Conclusion
The 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club at San Mamés was a reality check for Real Madrid. While Jude Bellingham’s brilliance continues to offer hope, the team’s defensive errors and lack of attacking sharpness remain significant concerns. Mbappe’s penalty struggles add another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.
If Real Madrid are to challenge for the La Liga title this season, they must learn from this setback, resolve their issues, and deliver consistent performances. The road ahead is tough, but with players like Bellingham leading the charge, Los Blancos have the potential to turn their season around.
