Athletic Bilbao delivered a thrilling performance at San Mamés, overcoming LaLiga champions Real Madrid with a dramatic 2-1 victory. The Basque side, now unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches across all competitions (W7, D3), consolidated their position in LaLiga’s top four with a display full of determination and tactical brilliance. The match saw key moments of controversy, including Kylian Mbappé missing a penalty, as Ernesto Valverde celebrated a significant victory over Real Madrid.
A Dominant Start for Athletic Bilbao
Athletic’s impressive home form has been a cornerstone of their success this season, and the match against Real Madrid was no exception. The Basque side have now lost just once in their last 26 LaLiga home matches (W16, D9), and their early aggression against the reigning champions set the tone for a pulsating encounter.
The game’s first chance arrived just four minutes in, with Nico Williams forcing an exceptional save from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper stretched to deny the Athletic winger, who was a constant menace for Real Madrid’s backline throughout the match.
However, it was the referee, Jose Maria Sanchez Martínez, who took center stage in the early exchanges. In a controversial sequence, Andoni Gorosabel’s challenge on Rodrygo inside the penalty area was deemed lawful, and Kylian Mbappé’s resulting effort was ruled out for offside. The decision drew protests from the Real Madrid camp, but the game continued with Athletic unfazed.
Missed Opportunities in the First Half
Athletic remained resolute and created the better chances in the first half. Alex Berenguer came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 32nd minute after being set up brilliantly by a backheel pass from Iñaki Williams. However, with only Courtois to beat, Berenguer inexplicably sent his shot over the crossbar, squandering what seemed like a certain goal.
Despite dominating large stretches of the first half, Athletic entered the break frustrated, as the scoreline remained goalless. Real Madrid, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm, with their attacking efforts stifled by Athletic’s organized defense.
Berenguer’s Redemption
The breakthrough finally came just eight minutes into the second half, and it was Alex Berenguer who atoned for his earlier miss. Nico Williams, instrumental throughout the match, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, creating chaos for Thibaut Courtois. Berenguer was on hand to capitalize, slamming the ball into the net from close range to give Athletic a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal ignited San Mamés, with the home crowd roaring in celebration. Athletic’s lead was a testament to their relentless pressure and tactical discipline, as they continued to frustrate Real Madrid’s attempts to gain a foothold in the game.
Mbappé’s Penalty Nightmare
Real Madrid were handed a lifeline in the 68th minute when Julen Agirrezabala, Athletic’s stand-in goalkeeper, collided with Antonio Rüdiger while attempting to punch away a set-piece delivery. The referee pointed to the spot, giving Kylian Mbappé the chance to level the score.
However, Agirrezabala quickly redeemed himself by diving the right way to deny Mbappé’s penalty. The miss marked Mbappé’s second consecutive failure from 12 yards, raising questions about the Frenchman’s reliability in high-pressure moments.
Second penalty missed in one week for Kylian Mbappé, again saved by the GK pic.twitter.com/DZGPbWrO5J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 4, 2024
Despite the missed penalty, Mbappé nearly made amends moments later. His powerful long-range strike was parried by Agirrezabala, and Jude Bellingham pounced on the rebound to fire the ball into the net. But Real Madrid’s celebrations were short-lived, as the goal was disallowed due to Federico Valverde losing possession in the buildup.
Gorka Guruzeta’s Decisive Strike
Athletic Bilbao seized their opportunity to put the game beyond Real Madrid’s reach. Substitute Gorka Guruzeta, a player known for his knack for delivering in crucial moments, stepped up to score the decisive goal. After Valverde’s uncharacteristic error in midfield, Guruzeta latched onto the loose ball and unleashed a perfectly placed strike that left Courtois with no chance.
The goal sent the San Mamés crowd into raptures and underscored Athletic’s ability to punish Real Madrid’s mistakes. It also cemented Guruzeta’s reputation as a clutch performer, as the Basque side celebrated a long-overdue LaLiga victory over the defending champions.
Real Madrid’s Struggles
For Real Madrid, the loss highlighted several areas of concern. Despite their star-studded lineup, including Mbappé and Bellingham, the team struggled to assert control and convert chances into goals. The disjointed performance was compounded by Mbappé’s penalty miss and a lack of composure in critical moments.
Real Madrid give Barcelona back three points and are four points from first place now pic.twitter.com/I3GjCUr1Wt
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 4, 2024
The defeat leaves Real Madrid with questions to answer as they look to recover in the title race. Their inability to break down Athletic’s defense and capitalize on key opportunities will be a focus for manager Carlo Ancelotti in the coming weeks.
Athletic’s Top-Four Ambitions
The victory solidifies Athletic Bilbao’s position in LaLiga’s top four, as they continue to build momentum under Ernesto Valverde. The former Barcelona manager has instilled a sense of belief and discipline in his squad, allowing them to compete against the league’s best teams.
With their unbeaten run now extended to 10 matches across all competitions, Athletic look well-positioned to challenge for a European spot. The team’s blend of youthful energy and experienced leadership has been key to their success, with players like Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams, and Alex Berenguer stepping up in crucial moments.
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