Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with a stunning goal against Athletic Bilbao, set up Eduardo Camavinga for the second, and sealed Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory with a fierce strike from the edge of the box.
The win keeps Real Madrid one point behind FC Barcelona, who defeated Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday.
Xabi Alonso’s side often encounters difficult games at San Mames, and after three consecutive away draws in La Liga, this fixture could have been tricky. However, Mbappe produced an exceptional individual effort in the seventh minute, shifting the momentum firmly in Madrid’s favour.
Thibaut Courtois made two solid saves as Athletic pushed for an equaliser, but Camavinga’s goal three minutes before halftime tightened Madrid’s grip on the match.
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde, unhappy with his team’s lack of intensity, replaced Inigo Lekue and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta at halftime with Jesus Areso and Unai Gomez. The changes added some spark, with Courtois making an excellent save to deny Mikel Jauregizar. But just before the hour mark, Mbappe was allowed to advance unchallenged and scored Madrid’s third, with goalkeeper Unai Simon possibly unsighted.
The only negative for Real Madrid was a muscle injury that forced Trent Alexander-Arnold off early in the second half.
“He scored two more great goals today. His movement and link-up play with Vini Jr. were excellent. The team started with focus and intensity from the first minute,” coach Alonso said after the match.
“We dominated the first half and, even though we had less possession in the second, we remained in control. After three away draws, it was important to return to winning ways. On Sunday, we play at home again,” he added.
–IANS
