Mbappé brace fires Madrid to dominant win in Bilbao

Real strike early

Real Madrid returned to winning ways with a strong 3–0 victory at Athletic Club. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Eduardo Camavinga also found the net in a confident performance at San Mamés.

Madrid started quickly and were ahead after just seven minutes. Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his fourth straight start, escaped Nico Williams and played a long pass to Mbappé. The forward controlled near the halfway line and curled a precise shot from 20 yards into the corner.

Athletic create chances but Madrid punish

Madrid kept control of the ball and could have scored again through Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, but Athletic grew into the match. Thibaut Courtois made a key save from Gorka Guruzeta before blocking a close-range effort from Álex Berenguer in the 31st minute.

Vinícius hit the woodwork from a tight angle soon after, but Madrid doubled the lead before half-time. Alexander-Arnold delivered a cross that Mbappé headed across goal for Camavinga, who nodded in from close range.

Injury concern for Alexander-Arnold

The second half began with a setback for Madrid. Alexander-Arnold suffered a suspected thigh injury and limped off after 55 minutes, ending one of his best displays since joining the club.

Camavinga was also forced off injured later in the match, creating further problems for head coach Xabi Alonso.

Mbappé seals the points

Any tension disappeared in the 59th minute when Mbappé struck again from distance. His low shot beat Unai Simón and secured the result with his 16th LaLiga goal of the season.

Alonso substituted his star forwards late on, with Mbappé and Vinícius leaving the pitch to applause. Athletic searched for a consolation goal in the final stages, but Madrid held on for a clean sheet.

The win reduces Barcelona’s lead in the title race and keeps Madrid close behind in the fight for top spot.