Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance to defeat Athletic Club 3-0 at San Mamés, ending a frustrating three-game winless run and keeping the pressure firmly on La Liga leaders Barcelona. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the night with a brilliant brace and an assist, though the victory was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns for Trent Alexander-Arnold and Eduardo Camavinga.
It took just seven minutes for Xabi Alonso’s side to assert their dominance. Alexander-Arnold, making only his fifth league appearance of the season after recovering from a hamstring problem, produced a trademark diagonal pass from deep. Mbappé controlled impeccably, gliding between two defenders before rifling a superb finish beyond Unai Simón. It was a reminder of why Real Madrid pushed so hard to bring the Frenchman to the Bernabéu, and his early sharpness set the tone for a polished team display.
Athletic struggled to cope with Real Madrid’s intensity and movement, especially down the flanks. Nico Williams tried to inject urgency for the home side, but the Basque club found themselves contained by Real’s disciplined defensive structure. As Real grew in confidence, their passing rhythm accelerated, with Toni Kroos and Camavinga dictating the tempo from midfield.
In the 42nd minute, Real doubled their advantage. Alexander-Arnold, growing more influential down the right, floated a clipped delivery into the box. Mbappé rose highest and intelligently headed across goal, allowing Camavinga to nod into an empty net. The goal capped an excellent half for the visitors, but it came at a cost — moments later, Alexander-Arnold signalled to the bench after appearing to aggravate a leg issue. His withdrawal was met with clear frustration, given his limited involvement since joining from Liverpool.
After the break, the contest never really shifted. Athletic attempted to push higher, but Real Madrid’s counter-attacking threat repeatedly caused danger. The decisive blow arrived just before the hour mark. Camavinga, moments before picking up a knock himself, broke forward and combined with Álvaro Carreras. The ball eventually found Mbappé, who struck a low, dipping effort that deceived Simón for his 16th league goal of the season.
With the match effectively settled, Real managed the game comfortably, though Alonso’s concern grew as Camavinga limped off — the second significant injury blow of the evening. Losing two key players in the same match will be a pressing issue for a Madrid side still fighting on multiple fronts.
Athletic Club ended the match frustrated and increasingly deflated. Their seventh defeat in twelve league games leaves them eighth with 20 points, and the pressure is beginning to mount. The San Mamés crowd, fervent as ever, offered encouragement, but even their energy couldn’t shift the momentum. The gulf in quality was evident, especially in both penalty areas, where Real were ruthless and Athletic hesitant.
For Real Madrid, the win was essential. After surrendering a five-point cushion at the top through three consecutive draws, they needed a commanding reaction — and they got it. Mbappé’s finishing, Alexander-Arnold’s creativity before injury, and the midfield’s control provided a timely reminder of their capabilities. Alonso will be relieved to keep Barcelona within reach, but Madrid’s growing injury list raises questions heading into a congested period.
Still, on a night where Real Madrid rediscovered their swagger, the story belonged to Mbappé — decisive, dazzling and relentless. If he maintains this form, the title race is far from over.
