Kylian Mbappé’s rocky start at Real Madrid hit another snag as the French superstar missed a crucial penalty in a 2-1 LaLiga defeat against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night.
Just days after failing to convert from the spot in a high-stakes Champions League clash against Liverpool, Mbappé once again faltered from 12 yards. Following a foul on Antonio Rüdiger, the forward’s lackluster penalty was comfortably saved by Julen Agirrezabala, leaving Madrid chasing the game.
Bilbao took the lead in the 53rd minute through a superb strike by Alex Berenguer, who capitalized on Madrid’s defensive lapse. Although Jude Bellingham managed to restore parity for the visitors with a composed finish in the 78th minute, the celebration was short-lived.
Moments later, a costly error by Federico Valverde gifted Gorka Guruzeta possession, and the Bilbao forward made no mistake, firing past Thibaut Courtois to secure a famous victory for the Basque side.
LaLiga Title Race Heats Up
The defeat leaves Real Madrid four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand. Barcelona sit comfortably on 37 points, while Madrid missed a golden opportunity to close the gap and keep the title race within reach.
Mbappé’s Struggles Continue
Mbappé’s penalty woes are becoming a worrying trend, with two misses in his last five attempts for Los Blancos across all competitions. The spotlight grows brighter on the Frenchman as he struggles to make his mark in Spain.
For Real Madrid, the defeat is symptomatic of a broader slump, with the team losing five of their last 11 games (W6) in all competitions. This marks a stark contrast to their incredible consistency in the previous 73 matches, where they only suffered four defeats (W52 D17 L4).
Bilbao’s Remarkable Feat
Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao celebrated a historic achievement, becoming the only team to defeat both Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2024 across all competitions. This landmark victory underscores their rise as formidable contenders in Spanish football.
As Real Madrid licks its wounds and reflects on its missed opportunities, the pressure is mounting for Mbappé to deliver when it matters most. With Barcelona setting the pace, Los Blancos cannot afford any more missteps in their pursuit of LaLiga glory.