Real Madrid delivered one of their most assertive performances of the season as Kylian Mbappe led a dominant 3-0 victory over Athletic Club at San Mamés.
With both managers under criticism, it was Xabi Alonso who walked away with a statement win, while Ernesto Valverde was left with more questions than answers.
Mbappé strikes early to set the Tone
The match opened with Madrid’s attacking trident in full flow. Trent Alexander-Arnold initiated the breakthrough with a pinpoint diagonal pass that found Mbappé in space.
The Frenchman surged past two defenders before rifling a decisive finish into the bottom corner.
Madrid repeatedly exposed Athletic’s defensive structure, with Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior all finding room between the lines.
Madrid were inches from doubling their lead when the post denied Mbappé, and Unai Simón later produced a strong save to stop another chance.
Thibaut Courtois, meanwhile, produced his trademark highlight moment by denying Álex Berenguer with an elite low stop.
Fluent team move doubles the lead
Real Madrid’s second goal was a showcase of fluid, high-tempo football. Bellingham, Vinicius and Álvaro Carreras combined intricately before the ball was worked to Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back delivered a measured cross that Mbappé headed across goal, leaving Eduardo Camavinga to apply a simple finish.
Athletic rally fizzles out as Mbappé strikes again
Athletic started the second half aggressively, forcing Courtois into another sharp save from Mikel Jauregizar.
But just as they began to grow into the match, Mbappé crushed any hopes of a comeback. Given time outside the box, he unleashed a venomous strike that left Simón helpless.
The goal effectively sealed the contest. Madrid dropped deeper and absorbed pressure, while Athletic struggled to break them down.
Injuries to Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga created minor concerns for Alonso, though neither appeared serious.
Simón was tested again by a long-range Fede Valverde strike, but the final stages were marked by a subdued San Mamés crowd, a clear acknowledgement that the game was out of reach.