Football/ Liga: Bilbao stuns Real Madrid in a High-Stakes Showdown
In a fiercely contested clash at San Mamés, Athletic Bilbao handed Real Madrid a crushing 2-1 defeat in an advanced fixture of La Liga’s 19th round. The match, pivotal for both teams’ ambitions, saw the Basque side rise to the occasion, climbing to fourth place and narrowing the gap with Atlético Madrid to just three points.
From the outset, Bilbao’s high-pressing intensity unsettled Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. Thibaut Courtois was called into action early, saving Nico Williams’ strike after a defensive misstep.
Madrid, despite sporadic flashes, struggled to break free from the relentless Athletic midfield, with Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo isolated upfront.
Bilbao took a deserved lead in the second half when Alex Berenguer capitalized on a rebound from Courtois. Madrid rallied, with Mbappé missing a penalty but later setting up Jude Bellingham’s equalizer. However, the Merengues’ resurgence was short-lived.
A costly defensive error by Federico Valverde gifted Gorka Guruzeta the winning goal, sealing Athletic’s triumph.
This defeat leaves Real Madrid four points behind Barcelona, who returned to form with a dominant win over Mallorca.
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao solidifies its position in the race for European qualification, delivering a performance that highlighted their tactical discipline and hunger.
For Ancelotti and his men, this loss raises questions about their ability to contend under pressure as they prepare for a grueling January schedule.
