French Star’s Brace Inspires 3-0 Rout of Athletic Club as Alonso Hails “Best Match of the Season”
A resurgent Real Madrid ended their concerning league slump in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, powered by a dominant performance from Kylian Mbappé in a 3-0 away victory over Athletic Club de Bilbao.
The French superstar scored twice and set up another, leading his team to a crucial win that snaps a three-match winless streak in La Liga and closes the gap on leaders Barcelona to just one point.
“It was important, after three away draws, to get back to winning on the road,” said a visibly pleased Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. “The team came out to play and win the match from the first minute, with good focus, intensity and rhythm. It was probably our best match this season.”
Mbappé, in scintillating form, opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a spectacular solo effort, sprinting from near midfield and weaving past defenders before finishing coolly. He then turned provider, delivering the cross for Eduardo Camavinga to head home just before halftime. Mbappé sealed the victory with a stunning long-range strike in the 59th minute, taking his tally to an astonishing seven goals in his last three games.
“Kylian is going through a great moment,” Alonso added. “He scored two great goals and moved well. His connection with Vini (Vinícius Júnior) was very nice.”
The performance offered a stark contrast to recent struggles, marking only Madrid’s second win in their last six matches across all competitions. The joy was slightly tempered by injury concerns, as both Camavinga and Trent Alexander-Arnold were forced off in the second half.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois summed up the sentiment of relief and admiration for his teammate. “At times I think to myself, ‘How lucky I am to have him on my team and not have to face him,” the Belgian said. “He’s unstoppable, we really enjoy watching him play.”
For Athletic Club, sitting eighth, the defeat extends a poor run of just two wins in their last eight outings.
Madrid now turns its focus to a return to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday to host Celta Vigo, while Athletic faces a tough test against fourth-place Atlético Madrid on Saturday. The match was played early as both teams, along with Barcelona and Atlético, will contest the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia next month.
In Wednesday’s Copa del Rey action, top-flight Girona suffered a shocking 2-1 elimination to third-division Ourense, while Villarreal narrowly survived a scare against fourth-tier Antoniano, advancing on penalties.
Similar Posts:
- Kylian Mbappé Shines in Real Madrid Debut, Issues Warning to Rivals (Match highlights)
- We Had to Show Character, Says Mbappé After Inspiring Madrid Win
- Alonso Hails Bellingham’s Masterclass as Real Madrid Seize El Clásico Bragging Rights
- Boost for Madrid as Alonso Confirms Mbappé Fit for Crucial Alavés Clash
- Ancelotti Hails Mbappé’s Potential to Emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy
