Carlo Ancelotti's side missed a chance to close the gap on Barcelona atop La Liga with a disappointing defeat on the road
Kylian Mbappe missed from the penalty spot again amid a lifeless performance as Real Madrid fell at a raucous San Mames to Athletic Club on Wednesday. Los Blancos' big-name summer signing saw a second straight spot-kick saved, and although Jude Bellingham kept Madrid in the game with his fourth goal in as many Liga games, two defensive errors proved costly in a 2-1 loss.
Madrid were on the back foot early as the home side enjoying a flurry of chances while the visitors failed to create much of note. The closest they came was a deflected Mbappe shot squirming into the net, only for his goal ruled out for offside. Federico Valverde also had an opportunity from a free-kick, but sent the ball well over the bar.
The home side took the lead early in the second half, when Thibaut Courtois parried a teasing ball directly into the path of Alex Berenguer, who walked the ball into the net from three yards out. Madrid had a golden chance to equalise through Mbappe, but the Frenchman missed his second penalty in a week – with reserve goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala parrying his shot away.
Bellingham made up for his team-mate's mistake, turning home from close-range to level the scores with 12 minutes remaining. A signature Madrid comeback seemed to be on, but Athletic responded immediately, with Gorka Guruzeta taking advantage of a Valverde error and finishing past Courtois.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from San Mames…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (5/10):
Made a couple of important saves, but his mistake led to the Athletic opener.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Ran a lot, kept Nico Williams quiet, but his final pass was missing.
Raul Asencio (6/10):
Made a couple of vital defensive interventions in the first half. Done for pace on the Athletic winner.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Won the Madrid penalty, kept things tidy defensively.
Fran Garcia (7/10):
Put in some really excellent defensive work. Unlucky to be subbed.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):
Good to have him back as a presence, but he was really sloppy at times. A mixed 70 minutes.
Federico Valverde (5/10):
Blasted a fre- kick miles over the bar in his only real action of the first half. Really good in the second until he gave the ball away to gift Athletic the winner – a rare costly mistake.
Dani Ceballos (5/10):
As tidy as usual with the ball, but lacking in imagination. Deservedly removed on the hour.
Jude Bellingham (8/10):
Absolutely everywhere throughout. Drove forward, tracked back, and grabbed Madrid's only goal. He won't bag 20 goals this season, but Bellingham has been quietly excellent of late.
Getty Images SportAttack
Rodrygo (5/10):
Floated around quite a lot without being particularly impactful. Doesn't have a great understanding with Mbappe yet.
Kylian Mbappe (3/10):
Had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but was well offside. Missed another penalty. A miserable evening.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Brahim Diaz (5/10):
Darted into space, tried to make things happen, but never in the right area to deliver.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
A confusing sub, although he didn't do much wrong.
Luka Modric (5/10):
Looked off the pace, in truth. A bit too frantic for him.
Endrick (N/A):
Too little, too late.
Arda Guler (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):
Went with his strongest side, and had his two forwards float around a bit. But Los Blancos were pretty much outplayed throughout, defensive errors and another penalty miss proving costly. Another forgettable day.
