Real Madrid beat Athletic Club 3–0 to stay within reach in La Liga

Real Madrid beat Athletic Club 3–0 to stay within reach in La Liga

Real Madrid’s win in Bilbao keeps the club close to Barcelona in a tightening December title race.

Real Madrid left San Mamés with a 3–0 victory on Wednesday after an assertive performance that kept the visitors within a point of Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Early finishing from Kylian Mbappé (7', 59') and a first-half strike from Eduardo Camavinga (42') shaped a match in which Madrid controlled long stretches and restricted Athletic Club to limited openings.

The result came in front of a sellout crowd of more than 51,000 and halted Athletic’s strong run at home. It also arrived during a period in which Madrid’s away form had been questioned after a sequence of draws. For Athletic, the defeat created additional pressure in the race for European qualification, where the margins among the teams directly behind the top four remain narrow.

Mbappé’s goals underline Madrid’s improved conversion rate

Kylian Mbappé once again provided Madrid’s cutting edge. His first goal stemmed from a direct switch of play that left Athletic’s back line exposed. His second, struck from distance after the break, reflected a growing pattern in Madrid’s season: fewer shots but greater efficiency on target.

This represents a shift from earlier away fixtures, when Madrid dominated possession without turning pressure into goals. With domestic and European matches stacking up in December, improved conversion has become increasingly important for clubs trying to protect players during heavy rotations.

Takeaway: Mbappé’s precision ensured Madrid capitalised on early chances and controlled the tempo.

Camavinga lifts midfield organisation before injury exit

Eduardo Camavinga added Madrid’s second goal just before halftime, finishing off a move created by overlapping runs and quick distribution in wide areas. Before leaving the match with an apparent lower-leg issue, he offered the defensive coverage that has sometimes fluctuated in Madrid’s midfield unit this season.

His understanding with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Fede Valverde allowed Madrid to close central lanes and slow Athletic’s preferred transitions. Few of Athletic’s attacks reached sustained phases inside Madrid’s penalty area, a contrast with several of their recent home matches.

Takeaway: Camavinga’s contribution improved Madrid’s structure in a key part of the pitch.

Back-line performance adds to a consistent defensive record

Madrid’s clean sheet was their seventh in the league, placing them among Europe’s stronger defensive teams at this stage of the campaign. The visitors conceded few high-value chances and relied on Thibaut Courtois for decisive stops only during a brief period of Athletic pressure in the first half.

Across Europe’s major leagues, title contenders typically average similar defensive returns by December. Madrid’s current trend aligns with that pattern, reinforcing how integral stability at the back has become in both domestic and continental competitions.

Takeaway: Madrid’s defensive metrics continue to match those of Europe’s top-performing clubs.

Athletic Club’s finishing issues highlight upcoming challenges

Athletic created chances through Nico Williams and Gorka Guruzeta but failed to find a route past Courtois. Their best spell came midway through the first half, when pressure high up the pitch forced several Madrid turnovers. The lack of accuracy in the final third, however, kept the hosts from changing the momentum of the match.

The fixture also arrived ahead of a demanding run that includes meetings with Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Athletic’s strong home form has been central to their position in the table, and maintaining that record will be essential to stay competitive for European spots.

Takeaway: Athletic’s inability to convert pressure into goals leaves little margin during a difficult schedule.

Player fitness becomes a central concern entering a congested period

Trent Alexander-Arnold left the match early holding his thigh, ending a promising evening in which he had assisted Mbappé’s first goal and contributed to Madrid’s wide buildup. Madrid did not provide immediate details on the extent of the issue.

Both teams face tight turnarounds in the coming weeks with league, cup, and European fixtures. Historically, this stretch of the season sees injury lists grow across La Liga, often altering squad plans and shifting the competitive landscape.

Takeaway: Injuries could influence how both clubs navigate the busiest phase of the season.

Questions people are asking

How does the result affect the standings?
The win keeps Madrid within one point of Barcelona and maintains the pressure at the top of the table. Both teams face dense schedules that could shape the title race through January.

Why was Mbappé’s performance notable?
His two goals continued his strong scoring rate across competitions and highlighted Madrid’s increased efficiency compared with earlier away matches.

What does the loss mean for Athletic Club?
The defeat moves Athletic further from the European places. With several difficult fixtures approaching, their home results will play a large role in their season outlook.

Is there any update on Alexander-Arnold’s condition?
No formal assessment had been released after the match. Madrid will evaluate him ahead of upcoming league and Champions League fixtures.

What comes next for Madrid?
Madrid resume domestic play before returning to Europe. Their ability to avoid further injuries will be important as they rotate the squad.

Final Takeaway

Madrid’s 3–0 win in Bilbao keeps the La Liga title race close and shows a more decisive edge in attack and defence. Athletic Club produced encouraging stretches but lacked the accuracy needed against a compact opponent. With a heavy December calendar approaching, both teams will depend heavily on squad depth, fitness, and consistency to maintain their league positions.

Real Madrid December fixtures