Sports
La Liga: Again, Mbappé Misses Penalty As Real Madrid Fall 2-1 To Athletic Bilbao
Kylian Mbappé’s penalty woes continued as Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao in a high-intensity La Liga clash at San Mamés on Wednesday.
Just a week after missing a crucial spot-kick in the Champions League against Liverpool, Mbappé’s misfortune from 12 yards cost Madrid dearly, allowing Barcelona to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table.
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Alejandro Berenguer opened the scoring for Bilbao early in the second half, capitalizing on Thibaut Courtois’ inability to fully clear a cross from Iñaki Williams.
Madrid briefly found hope as Jude Bellingham equalized with a composed finish after Mbappé’s missed penalty. However, substitute Gorka Guruzeta secured all three points for Bilbao in the 80th minute, punishing a costly error from Fede Valverde.
After Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala collided with Antonio Rüdiger in the box, Mbappé stepped up to take the penalty, hoping to redeem himself after his miss against Liverpool. Yet his tame effort, aimed at the goalkeeper’s left, was comfortably saved. Reflecting on his preparation, Agirrezabala told DAZN, “I studied him carefully. I thought he might go the same way as his last miss, and luckily he did.”
Despite the miss, Mbappé contributed to Madrid’s temporary equalizer, unleashing a powerful shot that Agirrezabala could only parry into Bellingham’s path. The English midfielder continued his rich vein of form, netting his fourth goal in as many league games.
Bilbao showed their intent from the start, with Nico and Iñaki Williams troubling Madrid’s defence. After Berenguer squandered a first-half opportunity, he made amends by converting Iñaki Williams’ cross early in the second half.
Madrid’s equalizer was short-lived, as Guruzeta capitalized on Valverde’s error to restore Athletic’s lead with a precise strike past Courtois. The Basque side’s defensive resilience and passionate home crowd ensured their victory, leaving Mbappé and Real Madrid frustrated.
The French star has faced criticism in recent weeks, and this latest setback will only increase scrutiny. While he showed moments of brilliance, including his involvement in Bellingham’s goal, his missed penalties are becoming a concern for coach Carlo Ancelotti.
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Barcelona’s emphatic 5-1 win over Mallorca on Tuesday extended their lead at the top, while Madrid, with a game in hand, must now regroup quickly to stay in the title race.
This defeat ends Madrid’s three-game winning streak in La Liga and underscores the challenges they face without key players like Vinícius Júnior. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s spirited performance keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.
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