Real Madrid went to Athletic Club and scored a 2-0 victory, earning them a crucial three points in the La Liga championship chase. The winning strikes came from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos, but the victory was a collective effort. Even though Madrid slowed down a bit from their typical tempo and Athletic offered strong competition, the visitors ultimately prevailed owing to two sparkling goals that the hosts were unable to equal.Before the game, Carlo Ancelotti made substitutions, benching out-of-shape veterans Luka Modric and Nikola Kroos in favour of Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio. All of the aforementioned starters put up strong performances, which was made possible by those adjustments and confidence in Eduardo Camavinga. Highlight-reel performances came from Benzema and Kroos, who both used strong body control to pick out the bouncing ball on the volley.Just before the half-hour mark, Benzema scored the game's first goal with a superb finish despite having his back to the goal. Athletic Club's performance leaves them with little to show for their efforts, but they may be pleased with their efforts.While both Nico Williams and his brother Inaki occasionally posed a threat, they lacked the finishing touch. A complete breakdown of the most recent La Liga standings as Real Madrid and Barcelona compete for the championship Athletic Club was compelled to pursue the game, which they accomplished by applying pressure in the game's closing 20 minutes. It seemed inconceivable at the time that they couldn't find a deserving equaliser for their efforts.However, just as regulation was about to end, Kroos scored the game-winning goal after coming off the bench. After Barcelona earned a lacklustre 1-0 victory, Real Madrid maintained their lead over the Blaugrana at the top of the La Liga standings. a day earlier, above Girona.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Madrid final score:
1H | 2H | Final | |
Athletic Club | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Real Madrid | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Goals:
24th minute: RMA: Karim Benzema
90th minute: RMA: Toni Kroos
Verified lineups:
Athletic Club (4-2-3-1): Simon (GK)—18. de Marcos (Lekue, 76'), 3. Vivian, 31, Paredes 17. Berchiche: 19. Zarraga (Herrera, 68'); 6. Vesga; 7. Berenguer (Muniain, 68'); 8. Sancet (Guruzeta, 68'); 11. N. Williams; 9. I. Williams
Real Madrid (4-3-3): 1. Courtois (GK)—6. N. Fernandez, 3. 21. Rudiger, F. Mendy, 15, F. Valverde, and 11. Asensio, 12. Camavinga, 19. Ceballos (Kroos, 85'), 9. Benzema, and Vinicius Jr. (20; Rodrygo; 83')
Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao post-game commentary,
Going forward, Carlo Ancelotti could rely more on his supporting cast. Real Madrid undoubtedly has a deep team consisting of skilled role players who can come in and cover voids, despite the fact that it isn't always attractive. Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are difficult to replace, so Ancelotti has been forced to rely largely on the veteran players. Ancelotti's hand was forced now that Modric and Kroos were having trouble, and his backup players really stood up. While Dani Ceballos controlled play in midfield, Marco Asensio was effective up front and had a goal opportunity. Although neither was very good, they both gave a valiant effort in a situation where others had shrunk. Given the long season ahead and the multiple fronts on which to fight, ncelotti may draw from the well more frequently.A lengthier run of starts has undoubtedly benefited Eduardo Camavinga, and Ceballos may as well. Toni Kroos scored tonight, which is huge for a potential rebound, but overall he's been struggling lately and needs to show Ancelotti he's still a top choice every single week.
Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao highlights
Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0. The contest is over after three minutes of additional time passed without any noteworthy action. After Kroos' score, Athletic was put on the back foot, and they stopped the game. Real Madrid didn't exactly play brilliantly, but still managed to gain a huge three points to maintain their lead over Barcelona at the top of the Spanish league standings. Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio, and Nacho Fernandez all made significant adjustments to the starting lineup for this game, and they all had a significant impact. Then his replacements turned out to be crucial as well, as Kroos scores on an assist from Rodrygo. Athletic Club performed admirably, but they were unlucky not to get points. Even if nothing else, the 90 minutes will give them confidence since they were capable of handling the assignment but lacked Real Madrid's level of finishing.