The victory at San Mames over Athletic Bilbao at 3 goals to 0, was one of the most complete performances of the season by Real Madrid who now 6 months on are regaining their LaLiga campaign following a run of very frustrating draws. In the centre of the triumph was Kylian Mbappé whose two magnificent goals demonstrated his superstar instincts and boosted the morale of the whole team.
In the seventh minute, the game erupted and Mbappé, who was in the possession of a long forward pass, just outside midfield, dribbled between two defenders and swung a perfect curler in the far right corner. The initial objective provided Madrid with dominance and they dominated much of the first half controlling the tempo through smooth passing and pushing.
Their second objective came shortly before the breakeven. Trent Alexander-Arnold then scored a perfect far-post cross that beat a defense, and with a long possession period, it doubled the advantage of Madrid. The game-plan was as tactically clear and crafted as the head coach Alonso has focused on in the past few weeks.
The second half was characterized by lowering the tempo by Real Madrid, yet Mbappé still managed to create pockets. He again punished Bilbao in the 59th minute, as he saw the Unai Simons out of his line and bent another another excellent shot.
At the end of the match, Coach Alonso complimented the mentality of the team. We were intense and focused right the first minute, he said. It was Mbappé but the entire crew was composed and in control.
The victory puts Real in only one point behind Barcelona and the confidence is restored and the momentum back on track.
