Kylian Mbappe missed another penalty as Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night.
LALIGA
Result: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Madrid
Date: 04 December 2024
Venue: San Mames
Los Blancos made only change from the win over Getafe, as Aurelien Tchouameni returned from injury, with Jude Bellingham alongside Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe upfront.
Madrid had a quick start after Mbappe found the back of the net after going through in the box but the goal was disallowed after a brief check by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
However, Bilbao raised their game after that and on the half-hour mark, Alex Berenguer came close to breaking the deadlock for the hosts with a first-time shot that sailed just over the crossbar.
Madrid could not regain their attacking rhythm towards the interval, as they were pressed high by Athletic and the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Bilbao had a perfect start in the second stanza after Berenguer broke the deadlock eight minutes from the break with a strike from the rebound in the box.
Los Blancos were fired up asn Antonio Rudiger came close to making it 1-1 midway into the second stanza with a header that came off the crossbar.
Los Blancos were expected to be level a moment later after they were awarded a penalty for foul in the box but Mbappe's spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
With 20 minutes to go, Ancelotti made a change for fresh legs in midfield as Luka Modric replaced Tchouameni.
Madrid eventually levelled matters nine minutes before time through Bellingham who scored from a rebound after Mbappe's shot was saved by Agirrezabala.
However, Gorka Guruzeta restored the lead for Athletic a moment later with a curling shot from the edge of the box.
Madrid could not get going in the dying minutes as they slipped to their second defeat and remained four points behind leaders Barcelona in second place, who have a game in hand.
