Kylian Mbappe scores twice as Real Madrid earn ‘important’ win over Athletic Club but Trent Alexander-Arnold off injured after first La Liga assist
Xabi Alonso had been under pressure on arrival at Athletic Club, after his team recorded three straight draws in La Liga. Another goalscoring masterclass from Kylian Mbappe guided them to victory, with Eduardo Camavinga also on the scoresheet. It was a mixed night for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who got his first La Liga assist for Real Madrid before being forced off the pitch after suffering injury.
Real Madrid ended their three-match winless La Liga run in resounding fashion as Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a 3-0 win against Athletic Club at San Mames Stadium.
They arrived in Bilbao with manager Xabi Alonso under pressure following uninspiring draws against Girona, Elche and Rayo Vallecano in their previous domestic fixtures.
The win takes them within a point of leaders Barcelona – who beat Atletico Madrid 3-1 on Tuesday.
Mbappe settled any early nerves for the visitors in the seventh minute, as he finished from the edge of the area after a show of speed and close control to skip past a number of opposition defenders in a burst from the halfway line.
Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up his first La Liga assist with a sublime cross-field pass to find Mbappe.
Eduardo Camavinga finished off some patient build-up play to head home from close range just before the break to put the visitors fully in control.
France captain Mbappe then made it seven goals from three matches in all competitions when he struck from distance to make it 3-0 just before the hour mark and secure the points.
The one negative for Real Madrid was Alexander-Arnold being forced off with an injury in the second half.
The England international was replaced by Raul Asencio after appearing to suffer a problem with his foot.
Speaking at full-time, Alonso said: “It was an important match. We wanted to break the pattern a bit, but we came in calm and well-prepared, and I think the team performed very well overall. We were very focused for the full 90 minutes, conceding very little.
“In the first half, we played very well and created chances. It was probably the most well-rounded match we’ve played. At a demanding stadium and at an important moment. We’re taking things slowly, now we have to keep going.”
Praising Mbappe’s goalscoring run, Alonso said: “He’s in great form. He scored two more great goals today. His movement and link-up play with Vinicius Junior was very good.”
Alonso was also grateful for the impact of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who played a key role in keeping their opponents at bay.
“It’s no surprise that he makes decisive saves,” he said.
“At that moment, he helped us maintain our lead so we could continue to build on our momentum in the match.”
After a tough period – and six away matches in a row in all competitions – Alonso wants his team to take the positivity of their win and build upon it.
“The team came out focused from the first minute to win the game with intensity and good tempo,” he added.
“We dominated the match in the first half and in the second half, though we didn’t have as much possession, we remained in control. It was an important moment after three away draws to get back to winning ways. On Sunday, we return home.
“Today is today, and that’s what matters most. The team’s performance and collective quality. The team was very stable, and that’s what I’ll take away from this. We take it one match at a time.
“After the draw in Girona, we knew it was an important moment. Now that we’ve come through it, starting tomorrow, we’ll be thinking about Celta [on Sunday].
“The calendar is very demanding and doesn’t allow you to dwell too much on either the good or the not-so-good moments.”
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