Athletic Club has extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches across all competitions with a thrilling 2-1 win over defending champions Real Madrid at the San Mamés. The victory marks a significant milestone for Ernesto Valverde’s side, who consolidated their position in the top four of La Liga.
The match got off to a frenetic start, with Thibaut Courtois making a sublime save to deny Nico Williams inside four minutes. However, the most notable and controversial action of the opening exchanges would fall to the defending champions, as referee José María Sánchez Martínez made two crucial decisions. He deemed Andoni Gorosabel’s challenge on Rodrygo in the area lawful and also ruled out Kylian Mbappé’s effort for offside.
Athletic reacted well to the lifeline, and Álex Berenguer almost broke the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark. However, he sent his effort high into the night sky with only Courtois to beat, leaving the hosts frustratingly still off the scoresheet in the first half. The hosts didn’t falter from there, and they would finally find some joy only eight minutes into the second half. Berenguer slammed the ball home from underneath the crossbar after Williams’ delicious delivery into the danger zone caused Courtois all sorts of problems.
Real Madrid spurned a glorious opportunity to get back on level terms from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Julen Agirrezabala punched Antonio Rüdiger in the back of the head. However, Agirrezabala made immediate amends by correctly guessing the direction of Mbappé’s spot-kick. Mbappé’s embarrassment was temporarily spared when Jude Bellingham fired home the rebound after Agirrezabala failed to hold onto the Frenchman’s effort from a distance.
However, Federico Valverde’s loss of possession ultimately unraveled Real’s momentum, with super-sub Gorka Guruzeta capitalizing on the untimely error by restoring Athletic’s lead with a sublimely struck strike. The goal sealed the win for Athletic Club, who celebrated their first La Liga win over Real Madrid in a long time.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Valverde’s side, who have now gone ten matches unbeaten across all competitions. The win also consolidates Athletic’s position in the top four of La Liga, and they will be looking to build on their momentum in their next match.
