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Ernesto Valverde did his former club Barcelona a favor on Wednesday night as his Athletic Club side beat Real Madrid 2-1 at San Mames.
Álex Berenguer put the hosts ahead shortly after half-time but Madrid had a great chance to equalise when they were awarded a spot-kick.
Kylian Mbappe stepped up again for Real Madrid but, just like he did against Liverpool in the Champions League, failed to find the back of the net.
Madrid did find a way back into the game through Jude Bellingham, but Athletic Club won it late on through Gorka Guruzeta.
The Athletic striker stole possession high up the pitch and then kept his composure to fire a confident finish past the goalkeeper.
The result means Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand.
Hansi Flick admitted after his team’s win over Real Mallorca [it had been a “sh\*tty November”](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/12/3/24312430/hansi-flick-glad-barcelonas-sh-tty-november-is-over-after-mallorca-win) but December has certainly started well for the Catalans.