Real Madrid momentarily emerged from their crisis of play and results in LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 with a thrashing against Athletic (0-3). Kylian Mbappé, with a brace, led the victory that allows the 'merengues' to remain 1 point behind FC Barcelona in the fight for the lead
Xabi Alonso's men set the course for victory in the first half, with goals from **Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga**. In the second half, 'Kiki' extended the lead for a 'Merengue' side that continues to not play convincingly, but was superior at San Mamés against an Athletic team outplayed in midfield and with a damp powder keg in attack
Thibaut Courtois made three notable saves against Guruzeta, Berenguer, and Jaureguizar to prevent a comeback from the Basques, who fell behind from the 7th minute due to a great goal from Mbappé. After the Frenchman's brace, there was no further resistance from a 'lions' team that was heavily demoralized. Nico Williams had another game to forget.
Mbappé and Camavinga put a superior Real Madrid ahead in the first half
Xabi Alonso's team started the match very well, controlling the midfield with effective pressure from Camavinga, Valverde, and Bellingham. **In the 7th minute, a long ball from Alexander-Arnold ended in a great goal by Mbappé**The '10' controlled it remarkably to leave Lekue trailing. Then, he outpaced Vivian and, entering the box, unleashed a very powerful shot, unstoppable for Unai Simón.
Athletic came close to equalizing in the 24th and 30th minutes, but Courtois shone with two great saves against Guruzeta and Berenguer, the latter one-on-one in an unbeatable opportunity for the Basques.
Madrid opted for verticality to exploit the spaces Athletic conceded in the back. Rego and De Galarreta were clearly outplayed in midfield, while Lekue also failed to stop Vinicius on his flank.
In the 42nd minute, the whites extended their lead with a header from Camavinga. In one of Madrid's few well-crafted plays, the team moved the ball from side to side in an action that resulted in a through ball from Bellingham to Trent, a cross from the Englishman flicked on by Mbappé, and the subsequent close-range finish from his compatriot.
Comfortable victory for Real Madrid, but with bad news included
In the second half, Athletic tried again with a long-range shot from Jaureguizar, but Courtois responded with a save to send the ball to a corner. Shortly after, Alexander-Arnold asked to be substituted due to a groin strain, forcing Asensio to come on.
In the 59th minute, Kylian Mbappé received a pass from Carreras from the left flank. Taking advantage of Lekue's passive marking, **the Frenchman unleashed a right-footed shot that surprised Unai Simón**. The goalkeeper didn't have a clear view and reacted late to a shot with just the right power and placement to sneak in at the near post.
Although Madrid was celebrating a calm and resounding victory, Xabi Alonso added a second casualty in the 68'. This time it was Camavinga who injured his ankle after receiving a hard foul from Berenguer. Arda Güler came on for the Frenchman, who, like Trent, will be out on Sunday against Celta and next Wednesday, in the Champions League, against Manchester City.
With the victory, **the 'merengues' remain in second place in LaLiga with 36 points, one less than Barça**. However, they have two new casualties when, based on collective performance, the Tolosarra coach finally seemed to find a reliable lineup after a November with many doubts about the performance and attitude of his main stars.
Match report: Athletic Club 0-3 Real Madrid
- Athletic Club, 0: Unai Simón; Lekue (Areso, min. 46), Vivian, Laporte, Boiro; Rego, De Galarreta (Unai Gómez, min. 46); Berenguer (Serrano, min. 69), Jauregizar (Vesga, min. 69), Nico Williams (Sánchez, min. 78); Guruzeta.
- Real Madrid, 3: Courtois; Trent 8Asencio, min. 55), Militao (Gonzalo, min. 77), Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Camavinga (Güler, min. 69); Vinicius (Brahim, min. 78)y Mbappé (Rodrygo, min. 77).
- Goals: 0-1, Kylian Mbappé (min. 7); 0-2, Eduardo Camavinga (min. 42); 0-3, Kylian Mbappé (min. 59).
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano. He booked Álex Berenguer and Alejandro Rego for Athletic.
- Stadium: San Mamés de Bilbao.
- Incidents: Match corresponding to matchday 19 of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26.