Kylian Mbappe scored two stunners against Athletic Club Bilbao, helping his team to a 3-0 away victory.
The 15-time Champions League winners completely dominated over the course of the match, leading in almost every statistic, a relief for Xabi Alonso, with just their second win six matches, following three draws with Girona, Elche and Rayo Vallecano.
Mbappé continued his red-hot form by opening the scoring early, receiving a long pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold who intercepted a through ball before sending it to the other side of the field towards the Frenchman.
He then beat three Athletic Club players with brilliant footwork, before finding the top corner from range. The goal set the tone for the game, which was utterly one-sided throughout.
Athletic Club had a big chance in the 30th minute, Alex Berenguer receiving a short pass from Nico Williams, beating two Real Madrid players before seeing his shot saved in brilliant fashion by Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian getting down quickly to stop the shot, keeping his side in front. The ball cannoned into Courtois’ outstretched arm, ricocheting away from goal, clearing the threat on Real Madrid’s goal.
Vinicius Jr then had a chance at goal from a difficult angle, the Brazilian having a shot but striking the post, much to the jeers of the home support, the fans at San Mames giving him an earful after the missed chance at a second goal.
Real Madrid’s second goal came from a cross from Alexander-Arnold, Mbappé heading it the other way, eventually finding Eduardo Camavinga, who headed it into the net.
Early after the start of the second half, Carreras played the ball to Mbappé, who took a shot from range, beating goalkeeper Unai Simon and finding the bottom left corner. Real Madrid took a 3-0 lead, giving Athletic Club a huge mountain to climb in order to get back into the contest. Mbappé celebrated fittingly, responding to an earful he’d received from the San Mames crowd, giving it back by wiggling his pointer fingers and pointing to himself.
“He’s in great form,” Alonso said of Mbappe.
“Today he scored two fantastic goals again. His movement and connection with Vini Jr. were excellent. From the first minute, the team came out determined to win, playing with focus, intensity, and a good pace. We dominated the first half, and although we didn’t have as much possession in the second, we maintained control. It was an important moment after three away draws to get back to winning ways. We return home on Sunday.”
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