AFCON 2025
Real Madrid Ahletic Bilbao handed Real Madrid their second loss of the season in the league with a 2-1 win at the San Mames in a midweek fixture.
The home side were not at their best but did enough to secure maximum points over the league champions.
The first half was quite cagey and uninspiring as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances even though Real Madrid had a chunk of the possession.
However, the second half started on a positive note for the home side as they took the lead on the 53rd minute.
Alex Berenguer took advantage of a melee in the box and easily beat the Thibaut Courtois from close range.
Real Madrid came close to equalizing a few minutes later but Antonio Rudiger’s header came off the bar to keep the scoreline unchanged.
Unfortunately, Kylian Mbappe woes from the spot kick cost Real Madrid again as the French forward missed a penalty on the 68th minute.
The home side continued to soak the pressure from the champions but not for long as Jude Bellingham taps the ball home from close range after the ball fell to him.
Rodrygo Goes found himself in space and bemds a shot from the edge of the box towards the bottom left-corner but Julen Agirrezebala made a comfortable save to deny the Brazilian.
A poor defensive display cost Real Madrid at least a point in the match as Gorka Guruzeta scored the winner from the edge of the box on the 80th minute.
The loss at San Mames increased the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid to 4 points although the latter has a game in hand away at Valencia.
