It seems like Kylian Mbappé’s penalty woes have become a recurring horror story. In Athletic Club vs Real Madrid, the French superstar once again missed from the spot, adding to Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat at San Mamés. The match was not just a testament to Athletic Club’s high-octane football but also a sobering reality check for a lackluster Real Madrid.
The Nightmare Unfolds
Kylian Mbappé’s performance was the headline of the night, but not for the reasons Los Blancos fans hoped. After a frustrating hour where he barely made an impact, Mbappé had the chance to redeem himself with a penalty. But his weak, unconvincing attempt was saved by Athletic’s goalkeeper Agirrezabala, cementing a forgettable night for the Frenchman.
However, Mbappé’s missed penalty wasn’t the sole reason for Real Madrid’s downfall. Behind the scenes of their defeat was an overall lackluster performance, marked by defensive errors, a lack of creativity, and poor tactical adjustments by Carlo Ancelotti.
First Half: Athletic’s High-Press Dominance
Athletic Club came out swinging, buoyed by the roaring San Mamés crowd. Their relentless pressing and high tempo disrupted Madrid’s rhythm from the start. Valverde’s experimental lineup, featuring Tchouaméni returning from injury and Valverde out wide, struggled to cope with Athletic’s energy.
The Williams brothers, Sancet, and Berenguer orchestrated wave after wave of attack, while Madrid opted for a conservative, counter-attacking setup. Despite this, the first half ended goalless, thanks to missed opportunities from both sides. Berenguer squandered a golden chance after a sublime backheel pass from Iñaki Williams, sending his shot over the bar.
Second Half: Goals, Drama, and Defeat
Athletic Club’s persistence paid off in the 52nd minute. Iñaki Williams delivered a wicked cross that caused chaos in the Madrid defense, leading to Berenguer scoring from close range. The Basque side took a deserved 1-0 lead, leaving Madrid scrambling for answers.
Ancelotti’s reaction to the goal was underwhelming. Instead of bold changes, he introduced Brahim Díaz for Ceballos, a substitution that failed to inject the necessary creativity into Madrid’s attack.
When hope seemed lost, a rare moment of brilliance from Mbappé sparked Madrid’s equalizer. His powerful shot was parried by Agirrezabala, and Jude Bellingham pounced on the rebound to level the score at 1-1. But Madrid’s joy was short-lived.
Just minutes later, Federico Valverde made a catastrophic error, gifting the ball to Guruzeta, who calmly slotted it past Courtois. Athletic regained the lead at 2-1, and Madrid never recovered despite Ancelotti’s desperate substitutions.
Mbappé’s Penalty Woes
Mbappé’s penalty miss was a turning point in the match. His timid effort was easily saved, a stark contrast to his usual confident finishing. This miss isn’t an isolated incident; it’s becoming a troubling pattern for the Frenchman. His inability to deliver in clutch moments is increasingly overshadowing his immense talent.
Athletic Club’s Victory: A Tactical Masterclass
Full credit must go to Athletic Club and their manager, Ernesto Valverde. The Basque side executed their game plan flawlessly, pressing high, exploiting Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities, and staying disciplined throughout. The Williams brothers, Sancet, and Berenguer were relentless, creating problems for Madrid’s defense all night.
Key Performers
- Athletic Club:
- Iñaki Williams: His cross led to the first goal and his energy set the tone for the team.
- Guruzeta: Capitalized on Madrid’s defensive mistake to score the winner.
- Agirrezabala: Saved Mbappé’s penalty and made crucial stops.
- Real Madrid:
- Jude Bellingham: Once again proved his mettle with a crucial equalizer.
- Courtois: Despite the loss, made important saves to keep Madrid in the game.
FAQs about Athletic Club vs Real Madrid
Athletic Club won 2-1 in a thrilling encounter at San Mamés.
Mbappé missed a crucial penalty and failed to make a significant impact throughout the match.
Berenguer and Guruzeta scored for Athletic Club, while Jude Bellingham netted for Real Madrid.
Madrid will need to regroup quickly as they face another tough fixture in their bid to keep up with Barcelona in the LaLiga title race.
Conclusion
The Athletic Club vs Real Madrid clash was a night to forget for Los Blancos and Kylian Mbappé. While Athletic Club celebrated a well-earned victory, Madrid’s struggles highlighted deeper issues within the team. If Real Madrid hopes to reclaim their dominance, they’ll need more than just individual brilliance—they’ll need teamwork, tactical discipline, and a solution to their growing penalty conundrum.
For now, San Mamés remains a fortress where dreams of victory often go to die. Will Madrid bounce back? Only time will tell.
