Real Madrid walked into San Mamés needing a response after three straight league draws. They left with a commanding 3–0 victory, a revitalized dressing room, and a superstar who once again showed why he is the most decisive player in world football.
Kylian Mbappé, irresistible from the opening whistle, produced two goals and an assist, powering Real Madrid past Athletic Bilbao and lifting Los Blancos to within a single point of league leaders Barcelona. In a stadium known for swallowing visiting teams whole, Madrid silenced 51,313 spectators with ice-cold composure and ruthless efficiency.
Mbappé Sets the Tone Early
San Mamés had barely settled when Real Madrid struck.
In the 7th minute, Mbappé collected a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, danced through red-and-white shirts, glided past Lekue, and drilled a right-footed rocket beyond Unai Simón. A moment of individual brilliance—and the perfect antidote to Madrid’s recent frustrations.
Athletic tried to answer through Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta, but Thibaut Courtois, back in his imperious form, twice denied the hosts with reflex saves that kept Madrid in control.
Camavinga Doubles the Lead After Vintage Madrid Build-Up
As the pressure from the Basques grew, Madrid delivered the kind of goal that defines champions.
In the 42nd minute, Alexander-Arnold whipped in a teasing ball, Mbappé rose above the defense to cushion a header across goal, and Eduardo Camavinga nodded it home. A beautiful move, a perfectly timed run, and a dagger into the heart of Athletic Bilbao’s hope.
Real Madrid went into the break 2–0 up, fully deserving of their advantage thanks to their superior tempo, pressing, and attacking intent.
Second Half: Mbappé Ends It With a Thunderbolt
Athletic Bilbao responded with triple energy after halftime, forcing Courtois into another sharp save from Mikel Jauregizar. But Madrid’s composure never wavered.
Then, in the 59th minute, Mbappé delivered the moment of the night.
Receiving the ball deep, the Frenchman found space, took aim, and unleashed a long-range missile that flew past Simón into the left corner. A goal worthy of any stadium, any league, any era.
San Mamés fell silent. The match was over.
Injuries Cast Shadows on a Great Night
Despite the dominant win, Real Madrid leave Bilbao with two fresh concerns:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold was forced off in the 55th minute after discomfort in his right leg.
- Eduardo Camavinga, superb until his goal and all-around performance, suffered an injury after a heavy challenge and was replaced in the 69th minute.
With fixtures coming fast, Xabi Alonso will hope both return swiftly.
Match Statistics: Real Madrid Dominant in Every Area
| Category | Athletic Bilbao | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 0 | 3 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.87 | 2.04 |
| Possession | 38% | 62% |
| Total Shots | 9 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 8 |
| Big Chances | 2 | 6 |
| Corners | 5 | 7 |
| Pass Accuracy | 79% (297/376) | 89% (570/642) |
| Passes in Final Third | 92 | 99 |
| Cross Accuracy | 14% | 27% |
| Fouls Committed | 15 | 4 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 0 |
| Touches in Opp. Box | 20 | 24 |
Madrid’s control of the ball, precision in passing, and effectiveness in transition proved overwhelming. Athletic’s 20 touches in Madrid’s box show they threatened at times, but Los Blancos’ defensive structure never truly cracked.
Lineups
Athletic Bilbao (4–2–3–1)
Simón; Lekue (Areso 46’), Vivian, Laporte, Boiro; Galarreta (Gómez 46’), Rego; Berenguer (Serrano 69’), Jauregizar (Vesga 69’), Nico Williams (Sánchez 78’); Guruzeta.
Missing players: Álvarez, Egiluz, Navarro, Prados, Sancet, Sannadi, Iñaki Williams.
Real Madrid (4–3–3)
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold (Asencio 55’), Militão (G. García 78’), Rüdiger, Carreras; Camavinga (Güler 69’), Tchouaméni, Valverde; Bellingham; Vinícius Júnior (Brahim 78’); Mbappé (Rodrygo 78’).
Missing players: David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, Ferland Mendy.
What the Result Means
Real Madrid:
- End a run of three consecutive league draws.
- Move to within one point of Barcelona.
- Extend a strong record against Athletic Bilbao to one defeat in their last seven meetings.
- Display the most complete performance since October.
Athletic Club:
- Suffer their fourth loss in six matches.
- Remain in 8th place.
- Struggle to convert early chances into momentum.
Mbappé: The Decisive Force Madrid Wanted—and Needed
Two goals. One assist.
A constant problem for the defense.
A leader in every transition.
This was not simply a great outing—it was a statement performance from a superstar refusing to let Real Madrid drift from the title race.
At San Mamés, Mbappé delivered the kind of match that becomes part of a season’s narrative. The kind that turns pressure into belief. The kind that changes league tables.
Real Madrid may look back at this night as where the title push truly began.