Athletic Club Stuns Real Madrid with 2-1 Victory: Mbappe Misses Another Penalty
By John Martinez, La Liga Analyst
The La Liga race took an unexpected twist last night as Athletic Club secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Real Madrid at San Mamés. In a match filled with drama, Kylian Mbappe’s penalty woes continued, marking his second miss in the space of a week, while Real Madrid’s title hopes suffered another setback.
This stunning result has profound consequences for both teams' standings in La Liga. Real Madrid now lags four points behind league leaders Barcelona, while Athletic Club climbs to fourth place, reigniting their hopes of a Champions League spot.
Match Details
The game kicked off with high intensity as both sides exchanged chances in an energetic first half. However, the real action unfolded after the break, with Athletic Club breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute. Alex Berenguer capitalized on a moment of defensive disorganization from Real Madrid, slotting home a well-timed finish to ignite the home crowd.
Real Madrid’s marquee signing, Kylian Mbappe, had the opportunity to turn the tide in the 68th minute when Los Blancos were awarded a penalty. The tension in San Mamés was palpable as he stepped up to take the shot. However, Mbappe’s strike lacked conviction, as Athletic Club’s goalkeeper Unai Simón guessed correctly and made a spectacular save. It was Mbappe’s second missed penalty in just seven days, raising questions about his composure under pressure.
Real Madrid eventually found an equalizer in the 78th minute when the ever-reliable Jude Bellingham fired a clinical shot into the bottom corner. Bellingham’s goal seemed to shift momentum in Real Madrid’s favor, but the joy for Madridistas was short-lived.
Just two minutes later, Athletic Club delivered the ultimate sucker punch. Gorka Guruzeta, coming off the bench, latched onto an inch-perfect cross and nodded home an unstoppable header. The 80th-minute goal proved to be the winner, sending the San Mamés faithful into rapturous celebrations.
Impact on La Liga Standings
This result has shaken up the La Liga standings in a significant way. Real Madrid remains in second place but now finds themselves trailing Barcelona by four points, with a game in hand. The pressure on Carlo Ancelotti’s side continues to mount as they look to recover their form in time for the business end of the season.
Meanwhile, Athletic Club’s sensational victory propels them to fourth place with 29 points. Ernesto Valverde’s men are now legitimate contenders for a top-four finish, a prospect that seemed distant just a few weeks ago. With consistent performances like this, Athletic Club could be setting themselves up for a memorable season.
For detailed match stats and insights, visit the official ESPN report on the match at Athletic Club vs Real Madrid Report. You can also explore a breakdown of player performances via 90Min's Player Ratings.
Conclusion
In what’s shaping up to be a thrilling La Liga campaign, this match serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football. Athletic Club’s perseverance and tactical discipline were on full display, while Real Madrid’s inability to capitalize on key moments cost them dearly.
Kylian Mbappe’s penalty struggles are quickly becoming a narrative that Real Madrid fans are increasingly anxious about. As Carlo Ancelotti’s team searches for consistency, questions surrounding their mental toughness and finishing form will need swift answers. Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a demanding run of fixtures that could define their season.
For Athletic Club, this victory is a confidence booster and a statement win. With momentum on their side, they’ll hope to continue climbing the table and secure a return to European competition next season.
After all, as football fans know, the league title – or a top-four finish – isn’t decided in one match. But moments like this certainly shape the narrative. Stay tuned as the drama of La Liga unfolds!
What are your thoughts on this match? Will Real Madrid bounce back, or is Barcelona running away with the title? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!