Kylian Mbappe paves the way for exuberant Real Madrid thrashing of Athletic Club | OneFootball

Athletic Club 0-3 Real Madrid

Two Basque managers came into one of Spain’s classic fixtures under pressure, as former Real Sociedad man Xabi Alonso returned to a place that he was never popular in San Mames. His Real Madrid side were in need of a performance, while Ernesto Valverde is very much keen to see his side recover some of the imposing nature of old.

It was Kylian Mbappe, who has been the biggest constant in Real Madrid’s season, that imposed himself on the game early on though. After an excellent Trent Alexander-Arnold cross-field pass found Mbappe in space, the French forward drove at the backline, beating two players before bulleting the ball into the corner.

That became a theme of the first half, with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe regularly finding space in behind the Athletic defence or midfield. Los Blancos were unlucky not to be further ahead when first the post and then Unai Simon thwarted him with very presentable opportunities. Thibaut Courtois was forced into his customary big save though, with Alex Berenguer shooting low to his left after a neat backheel from Nico Williams. The Belgian’s credentials as the best goalkeeper in the world remain as firm as his hand.

Before the break, Los Blancos scored arguably their best move of the season. Bellingham, Vinicius and Alvaro Carreras exchanged passes before the Englishman swept the ball into the path of Alexander-Arnold. His cross was headed back across goal by Mbappe, and converted with ease by Eduardo Camavinga.

Real Madrid cruise to victory in eerie San Mames

Image via DC

Los Leones started the second period on the front food, with Mikel Jauregizar drawing a strong save from Courtois, keeping Los Blancos in their own half. Further to Alonso’ chagrin, Alexander-Arnold, having arguably his best game yet, pulled up ten minutes into the second period, with Raul Asencio forced to replace him.

Just as Athletic were getting a foothold in the game though, Mbappe was allowed to line up from outside the box, and it was to Simon’s peril. A vicious effort saw the net bulge for a third time at San Mames. As the second half went on, Los Blancos were contented to defend deep and exploit space on the break; Athletic probed for openings, but were largely unsuccessful. It is worth noting that Camavinga also departed after a challenge in midfield, but the issue did not look serious.

Simon was again forced into a strong save from a Fede Valverde effort from distance, but the most notable thing about the final 20 minutes was the lack of atmosphere in San Mames, denoting the end of the contest. It was a result not inconsistent with Athletic’s recent showings, but it will concern Ernesto Valverde that his side could not raise their game to intimate Real Madrid more, albeit they are missing a number of players.

For Alonso, it will be a deeply satisfying victory. In attack, his side were at times direct, at others probed for gaps in the defence, but always with a high tempo, making it difficult to live with them. Despite Courtois being forced into two good saves, it was also probably the quietest game he has had in some months. Combined, it made for one of Real Madrid’s most complete performances of the season.