Kylian Mbappé found himself at the center of Real Madrid’s latest setback, as the team suffered a 2–1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés. The result not only snapped Los Blancos’ impressive 21-game unbeaten streak on the road in La Liga but also widened the gap to four points behind league leaders Barcelona, undoing the progress made over the weekend.
Athletic Bilbao took the lead in the second half through Álex Berenguer, capitalizing on Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities. Madrid had a chance to equalize shortly after when they were awarded a penalty, but Kylian Mbappé failed to convert, repeating the same mistake he made against Liverpool just a week earlier.
His tame, low shot was easily saved by Bilbao’s goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala. Jude Bellingham eventually leveled the match in the 79th minute, scoring his fourth goal in as many league games, but it wasn’t enough. A costly defensive error by Fede Valverde allowed Gorka Guruzeta to seal the victory for Athletic Bilbao.
Bellingham Should Be Real Madrid’s Primary Penalty Taker
Mbappé’s penalty woes are becoming a recurring issue. After missing a crucial spot-kick at Anfield, his latest attempt against Bilbao lacked both power and precision, leading to widespread criticism. Jude Bellingham, who successfully converted a penalty just days ago against Getafe, has proven he has the composure and skill for such moments.
While Ancelotti has stated that players on the pitch decide who takes penalties, the coach may need to intervene. Until Vinícius Júnior returns, Bellingham appears to be the logical choice to handle penalties.
Mbappé’s lack of confidence is a growing concern for a player of his stature and price tag. His struggles not only impact his individual performances but also have the potential to influence Real Madrid’s title aspirations. Missing crucial opportunities, as he did against Bilbao, places him under heavy scrutiny.
Real Madrid’s Defensive Fragility Exposed
Athletic Bilbao repeatedly exploited Real Madrid’s defensive shortcomings, particularly on counter-attacks. Fran García and Lucas Vázquez often left wide spaces behind them, allowing the Williams brothers to wreak havoc on the wings. Real Madrid’s midfield, including Bellingham and Valverde, was forced to compensate, limiting their attacking contributions. Valverde’s frequent defensive duties ultimately led to the error that gifted Bilbao their decisive goal.
Tchouaméni’s Forgettable Return
Aurélien Tchouaméni returned to action after a month out due to injury but struggled to make an impact. Expected to provide defensive stability, Tchouaméni was largely ineffective, with Bilbao frequently bypassing Madrid’s midfield. Instead, it was Bellingham and Valverde doing most of the defensive work, highlighting the Frenchman’s underwhelming performance.
Real Madrid’s defeat raises questions about their title credentials, with key players failing to deliverin critical moments.
