In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid’s title hopes suffered a significant setback as they fell to Athletic Club at San Mames, courtesy of goals from Alex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta. The match commenced with both teams showing determination, but it was Athletic Club who struck first just after halftime. Inaki Williams delivered a pinpoint cross that eluded Real Madrid’s defensive line, allowing Berenguer to take advantage of a rebound off Thibaut Courtois’ save, slotting the ball neatly into the net. This crucial goal shifted the momentum in favor of the hosts, who displayed a strong performance throughout the match.
Real Madrid received a lifeline in the 67th minute when a foul by Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala on Antonio Rudiger granted them a penalty. Kylian Mbappe, stepping up to take the shot, was expected to convert the opportunity. However, in an unexpected twist, Agirrezabala dived to his left and pulled off a fantastic save, restoring Athletic Club’s advantage. This pivotal moment, showcased by the goalkeeper’s redemption, kept the momentum firmly with the home side as Real Madrid struggled to find their rhythm.
Just when it appeared that Real Madrid had salvaged a point, Jude Bellingham managed to find the back of the net after Agirrezabala parried a shot from Mbappe. This late equalizer injected hope into the Madrid side, yet it proved fleeting. Merely a minute later, a critical error by Federico Valverde resulted in his dispossession by Guruzeta, who skillfully slotted past Courtois to restore Athletic Club’s lead. The turn of events in such a short space of time underscored the fragility of Real Madrid’s momentum in the title race.
This disappointing loss for Real Madrid comes at a time when they were hoping to capitalize on Barcelona’s slip-ups in the league. Despite Barcelona’s 5-1 rout of Mallorca further distancing the two rivals, Real Madrid’s failure to secure points leaves them four points adrift, with only one game in hand over their competitors. Injuries to pivotal players such as Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Eder Militao have undoubtedly impacted Real Madrid’s performance, and this match highlighted their struggles in the absence of key contributors. Their attacking prowess appeared diminished, and despite Bellingham’s efforts, they failed to create enough clear-cut chances throughout the encounter.
On the other hand, Athletic Club’s victory was well-deserved, built on excellent teamwork and pivotal performances from players like the Williams brothers. Alex Berenguer emerged as the standout player of the match, having been an essential figure in both creating and converting chances. His earlier missed opportunity was overshadowed by his decisive goal, embodying the team’s resilience against a formidable opponent. Collectively, Athletic Club demonstrated they could rise to the occasion, seizing the crucial points that ultimately move them closer to the top of the table.
As both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, Athletic Club faces another daunting challenge against Villarreal, while Real Madrid must regroup for their match against Girona before venturing to Italy for a critical UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta. The current situation leaves the title race with more questions than answers, and with the stakes so high, the coming weeks will be critical for both teams as they navigate the crowded fixture list and injuries. With opportunities to regain momentum, both sides will be under pressure to deliver in an unpredictable season.
