Real Madrid has faced their second defeat in three matches, this time losing to Athletic Club, which now positions them four points behind their rivals Barcelona in La Liga, although they still have a game in hand. The team is grappling with mounting challenges, echoing their recent performance at Anfield against Liverpool, where they were again outperformed.
Despite holding 63.4% possession and having more total shots (10) and shots on target (5), Madrid could not translate these statistics into a positive result. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed disappointment about the outcome but acknowledged the performance of both teams, suggesting it should have ended in a draw.
Athletic Club took the lead with a close-range goal from Alex Berenguer in the 53rd minute. Jude Bellingham managed to equalize in the 78th minute after Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty, but a mistake by Federico Valverde led to Gorka Guruzeta’s decisive goal just two minutes later.
Mbappe’s performance has been under scrutiny, especially during Vinicius Junior’s absence due to injury. While he seemed eager to compete, he struggled significantly throughout the match, missing another penalty—a repeat performance from his earlier encounter against Liverpool. After the game, he posted regret about the missed opportunity but hinted that this could be a pivotal moment for improvement, saying it’s the right time to show his true capabilities.
Ancelotti’s management is increasingly under the microscope as the team’s overall performance has been concerning. Five defeats across all competitions this season draw attention to the team’s inconsistency, particularly in high-stakes matches against top opponents. However, amidst these trials, young talents like Jude Bellingham continue to shine, contributing crucial goals and showing leadership qualities.
Looking ahead, there’s hope that Madrid can turn their fortunes around. With a game in hand and the return of key players from injuries, the team could bounce back and stabilize their position in the league. The talent within the squad remains significant, and if they can harness collective growth, a turnaround may soon be on the horizon.