Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Madrid: Mbappe misses another penalty as Los Blancos fall to shock defeat

Athletic Bilbao has extended their unbeaten streak to 10 matches across all competitions (W7, D3) following a decisive goal from substitute Gorka Guruzeta against the reigning champions, Real Madrid, at San Mames.

The hosts have suffered defeat in only one of their last 26 LaLiga home fixtures (W16, D9) and started the match with great intensity, prompting Thibaut Courtois to execute a remarkable save to thwart Nico Williams within the first four minutes.

However, the most significant and contentious moment in the early stages involved the defending champions. Referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martínez took the spotlight by ruling that Andoni Gorosabel’s challenge on Rodrygo in the penalty area was legitimate, while also disallowing Kylian Mbappe’s attempt during the same play for offside.

Athletic responded positively to this reprieve, with Alex Berenguer coming close to scoring shortly after the half-hour mark. Set up beautifully by Inaki Williams’ backheel, Berenguer inexplicably sent his shot soaring over the bar with only Courtois to beat, leaving the hosts frustrated and scoreless at halftime.

Undeterred, the hosts found their breakthrough just eight minutes into the second half. Seeking redemption for his earlier miss, Berenguer made amends by driving the ball home from beneath the crossbar after Nico Williams’ exquisite cross created chaos for Courtois.

In pursuit of an equalizer, Real Madrid squandered a golden chance to level the score from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, when Julen Agirrezabala inadvertently struck Antonio Rudiger in the back of the head to prevent him from reaching an incoming set piece.

Remarkably, Athletic’s substitute goalkeeper quickly redeemed himself by accurately predicting the direction of Mbappe’s penalty kick.

Mbappe's series of missed penalties seemed to be forgotten shortly thereafter, as Agirrezabala's inability to secure the Frenchman's long-range shot permitted Jude Bellingham to capitalize on the rebound and score.

Nevertheless, Federico Valverde's unfortunate loss of possession disrupted Real's momentum, allowing Guruzeta to take advantage of the mistake and regain the lead for Athletic with a beautifully executed shot.

This long-awaited victory against Real in LaLiga strengthens Ernesto Valverde's team's standing in the top four, as the former Barcelona manager revels in defeating his old club's most significant rivals.

SportsLigue