Athletic Bilbao stunned Real Madrid on a historic night at San Mames, clinching a 2-1 victory that ended an 18-game winless streak against Los Blancos in La Liga.
This landmark win, their first against Madrid since March 2015, highlighted Bilbao’s resurgence under Ernesto Valverde and Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities.
In a match where both sides fought hard, Bilbao capitalized on Madrid’s mistakes to take all three points. Here’s a closer look at the game that reshaped the league table and gave fans an unforgettable night of football.
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The first half of the match offered little excitement, with both teams struggling to convert their opportunities. Athletic Bilbao looked more dangerous, with their dynamic wing play through the Williams brothers troubling Madrid’s backline. However, neither team could break the deadlock, going into halftime with a goalless scoreline.
The game came to life in the second half, with Bilbao drawing first blood in the 53rd minute. Inaki Williams delivered a teasing cross that Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois could only parry into the path of Alex Berenguer, who calmly tapped the ball into the net. The San Mames erupted as Bilbao took a well-deserved lead.
Real Madrid responded aggressively after conceding. Their pressure paid off in the 68th minute when the referee awarded them a penalty following a reckless punch by Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala. Kylian Mbappe, however, failed to convert, hitting a weak shot straight at the keeper—a glaring miss that drew comparisons to his similar failure at Anfield just a week earlier.
A Dramatic Finale
Madrid eventually found their equalizer in the 78th minute. Mbappe’s powerful long-range shot forced a diving save from Agirrezabala, but Jude Bellingham was on hand to slot home the rebound. The goal brought hope to Los Blancos, but their joy was short-lived.
Just two minutes later, Bilbao reclaimed their lead. A rare mistake from Federico Valverde gifted the ball to substitute Gorka Guruzeta, who fired a low shot past Courtois to make it 2-1. The San Mames faithful roared as Bilbao regained control.
Despite Madrid’s desperate attempts in the dying minutes, including Rudiger pushing up as an emergency forward, Bilbao’s defense held firm. The final whistle confirmed a historic victory for the Basque side, their first against Real Madrid in nine years.
Key Performers
- Alex Berenguer (Athletic Bilbao): His opportunistic goal opened the scoring and set the tone for Bilbao’s victory.
- Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic Bilbao): The substitute made an instant impact, scoring the decisive goal just minutes after coming on.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): The young Englishman showcased his predatory instincts with the equalizer, but it wasn’t enough to save Madrid.
Missed Opportunities for Madrid
For Real Madrid, this game was a story of missed opportunities. With Vinicius Jr sidelined, much of the attacking burden fell on Mbappe, who failed to deliver in crucial moments. His penalty miss, coupled with poor decision-making in the final third, highlighted Madrid’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play.
Madrid’s defense also struggled, with Valverde’s costly mistake summing up a night to forget. The absence of composure and organization in key moments ultimately proved their undoing.
This victory keeps Athletic Bilbao in fourth place, now just three points behind third-placed Atletico Madrid. It also reinforces their credentials as serious contenders for a Champions League spot this season.
For Real Madrid, the defeat leaves them second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona. With two games in hand, Los Blancos still have a chance to close the gap, but performances like these raise questions about their ability to maintain consistency in the title race.
Athletic Bilbao’s Resurgence
Under Ernesto Valverde, Bilbao has become a force to be reckoned with. Their combination of disciplined defending and quick counter-attacking football has earned them impressive results, including wins against Manchester City and now Real Madrid.
Players like Inaki Williams and Nico Williams have been instrumental in Bilbao’s success, offering pace and creativity on the flanks. Meanwhile, the team’s defensive solidity has made them tough to beat, particularly at home.
