In a pivotal match for the La Liga title race, Real Madrid suffered a setback after losing to Athletic Club, who triumphed at the San Mames with a score of 2-1. The match turned dramatically after halftime, with Athletic Club’s Alex Berenguer breaking the deadlock shortly after the break. His goal resulted from a deflected cross from Inaki Williams that managed to evade Real Madrid’s defense. Thibaut Courtois, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, was unable to prevent Berenguer’s quick reaction to pounce on the parry, allowing the home side to celebrate their first goal.
The game took another twist when Real Madrid was awarded a penalty in the 67th minute after a reckless challenge by Athletic Club’s Julen Agirrezabala on Antonio Rudiger. Kylian Mbappe, the designated penalty taker, stepped up with hopes of leveling the score. However, Agirrezabala redeemed himself by making a fantastic save, blocking Mbappe’s weak effort and keeping Athletic’s lead intact. It was a turning point, showcasing the drama and tension often seen in tightly contested matches.
Despite needing a comeback, Real Madrid soon found a glimmer of hope when Jude Bellingham equalized in the 79th minute. He capitalized on a parried shot from Mbappe outside the box, scoring with precision and momentarily giving Real Madrid fans something to cheer for. However, just as momentum seemed to swing in favor of the away side, they were hit with a crucial blow. Federico Valverde was dispossessed by Gorka Guruzeta, a late substitute, who then slotted the ball past Courtois to restore Athletic Club’s lead just minutes later.
This result was particularly damaging for Real Madrid in the title race, as they now rested four points behind Barcelona, who had secured a comprehensive 5-1 victory against Mallorca earlier. With this recent loss, Real Madrid’s hopes of capitalizing on Barcelona’s slip-ups ended in disappointment. The match laid bare the ongoing struggles Real faced, exacerbated by injuries to key players such as Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Eder Militao. The team’s performance was notably lackluster, lacking the sharpness and effectiveness expected from a title contender, with most of their efforts falling flat.
For Athletic Club, this victory represents a significant milestone, showcasing the strength and resilience of their squad. While multiple players could be acknowledged for their performance, Alex Berenguer stood out as the Player of the Match for his crucial opening goal and overall contribution to the team’s success. Their ability to create opportunities through the dynamic play of the Williams brothers added depth to their attacking strategy. As Athletic Club prepares for their next matches, including a challenging bout against Villarreal and a UEFA Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce, this win will bolster their confidence.
In contrast, Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures against Girona in La Liga and an away match against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League will be critical for their morale and pursuit of titles. Failing to convert opportunities and maintain composure under pressure could continue to hinder their league aspirations. As the season unfolds, the impact of this defeat will reverberate through Real Madrid’s campaign, illuminating the challenges they face in their quest for glory and their need to regain form to remain competitive in La Liga.
