Real Madrid Stars Explode Against Athletic Club: Dominant Display Sends Shockwaves Through La Liga Title Battle

Real Madrid began December with an impressive 3–0 victory against Athletic Club, closing the gap to just one point behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

The Spanish powerhouse desperately needed a win on Wednesday following a string of dropped points in their previous three league fixtures. Los Blancos' disappointing November form had seen a five-point advantage over their arch-rivals evaporate, mounting pressure on Xabi Alonso and his talented roster to return to form.

Once again this campaign, Kylian Mbappé rose to the occasion. The French striker netted twice and provided an assist against Athletic Club, securing three crucial points for Real Madrid in their final fixture of a challenging six-match road trip.

The 15-time European champions will finally return to their home ground at the Bernabéu this weekend to face Celta Vigo in another crucial La Liga encounter.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Athletic Club (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Thibaut Courtois—8.5: Made crucial saves when needed to secure a clean sheet to start December.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—7.6: His finest display in Real Madrid colors. Alexander-Arnold's crossing was exceptional and he finally earned an assist before suffering an injury.

CB: Éder Militão—7.8: Reliable as always. The Brazilian defender effectively neutralized Gorka Guruzeta and helped contain Nico Williams.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger—7.2: Showed some nerves at times and required Courtois to rescue him on several first-half occasions.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—8.3: Continues his impressive form on the left side, particularly with his combination play. Carreras earned an assist during the match.

DM: Eduardo Camavinga—8.7: Rose to the challenge when Real Madrid required leadership. Camavinga helped his compatriot dominate the midfield and scored his first La Liga goal this season.

DM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—7.7: Rarely misplaced a pass and served as an excellent protective barrier for his defense.

RW: Federico Valverde—7.5: Still searching for his best form, and the switch to right wing didn't help his cause.

AM: Jude Bellingham—8.5: Produced a complete performance. Bellingham's work ethic and smart decision-making continue to distinguish him from Arda Güler.

LW: Vinicius Junior—7.4: Unfortunate not to end his scoring drought, but Vinicius Jr still contributed effectively in attack. His most memorable moment came when he embraced Alonso on the sideline.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—9.4: Outstanding. Unstoppable. Completely dominated the match and contributed to all three goals.

Subs not used: Andriy Lunin (GK), Fran González (GK), Fran García, Dani Ceballos, Endrick, Franco Mastantuono.

Athletic Club (4-1-2-3)

Starting XI: Unai Simón; Iñigo Lekue, Dani Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Adama Boiro; Alejandro Rego; Mikel Jauregizar, Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta; Álex Berenguer, Gorka Guruzeta, Nico Williams.

Subs used: Jesús Areso, Unai Gómez, Nico Serrano, Mikel Vesga, Selton Sánchez.

Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé

Athletic Club 0–3 Real Madrid—How It Unfolded at San Mamés

Real Madrid displayed an intensity on Wednesday night that hadn't been seen since El Clásico. There was a clear determination from the players in white to compensate for their recent setbacks, particularly with Barcelona now leading the La Liga championship race.

Alonso's team needed just seven minutes to find the net at San Mamés. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a magnificent long pass from deep in his own territory to locate Kylian Mbappé, who controlled the ball with one touch before accelerating forward.

The French forward completely outmaneuvered Aymeric Laporte near the penalty area to unleash an unbalanced, right-footed shot beyond Unai Simón, giving Real Madrid a 1–0 advantage. Mbappé has now found the net 15 times in 15 La Liga appearances this campaign.

Athletic Club created two excellent chances to equalize, but Thibaut Courtois produced a series of outstanding saves to maintain his team's lead. Vinicius Junior attempted to reward his goalkeeper with a powerful effort at the opposite end, but the Brazilian was thwarted by the crossbar.

Just as it appeared Los Blancos would enter halftime with only a slender lead, they crafted a superb team goal. Following some brilliant play from Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, Alexander-Arnold delivered a cross into the penalty area for Mbappé, who headed the ball to Eduardo Camavinga to finish in the 42nd minute.

Real Madrid maintained their intensity in the second period, and a third goal seemed certain. In an instant decision, Mbappé chose to shoot from 23 yards and sent a spectacular effort into the net. However, Simón's questionable positioning allowed the shot to beat him at the near post.

The visitors' celebrations briefly overshadowed Alexander-Arnold's apparent injury sustained moments earlier. The right-back was substituted in the 55th minute. Camavinga also left the field shortly after, unable to continue due to injury.

Despite the two injury concerns, Alonso's squad never appeared vulnerable to a comeback. Real Madrid comfortably managed the remainder of the match and secured three points to return to winning form.

Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid Halftime Stats

Athletic Club vs. Real Madrid Full Time Stats