Mbappe's 'unstoppable' performance

Kylian Mbappe netted a brace and provided an assist, helping Real Madrid secure a 3-0 win against Athletic Bilbao at the fiery San Mamés, reducing the deficit to top-ranked Barcelona to a single point in the early hours of December 4.

Real Madrid started the match with strong determination following three consecutive draws on the road. Within minutes, they converted their dominance into goals. In the 7th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold, marking his first impact in La Liga, delivered a perfectly weighted long pass allowing Mbappe to break free, evade the home defenders, and finish with a precise angled shot past goalkeeper Unai Simon, giving Los Blancos the lead.

As Athletic Bilbao began to push forward, Mbappe and Vinicius caused chaos in the home defense with their rapid combinations. From a textbook attacking move near the end of the first half, Mbappe leapt to head the ball back for Eduardo Camavinga, who charged in to score from close range, making it 2-0. In the second half, Real Madrid delivered the final blow. Mbappe received the ball just outside the box and unleashed a thunderous shot into the near corner to seal a 3-0 victory. This marked his 16th goal in La Liga this season.

According to Sofascore, the Frenchman Mbappe took 4 shots, all on target, achieving an xGOT of 1.38, while also creating 2 big chances and 2 key passes. Beyond scoring twice, Mbappe demonstrated effective teamwork with a passing accuracy rate of 87% (26 out of 30), including 84% in the opponent’s half. In duels, he won 5 out of 9 one-on-ones, completed 4 out of 6 dribbles, and lost possession very little. A comprehensive display, truly embodying the “unstoppable” player Real Madrid currently boasts.

Coach Xabi Alonso praised the team spirit after the match, saying: “The team played a perfect game, focused for the full 90 minutes… perhaps our best performance at a challenging venue, and at a crucial moment. After last weekend’s draw with Girona, we understood this was a pivotal moment. Now the whole squad will prepare for the match against Celta Vigo on Sunday.”

Mbappé once described last season’s defeat at San Mamés, when he missed a penalty, as his “lowest point” since joining Real Madrid. But on this return, he showed the best version of himself. Coach Alonso also emphasized: “Kylian is in perfect form. He scored two magnificent goals, combined excellently with Vini (Vinicius Junior), and the whole team approached the game with the determination to win from the first minute.”

Related articles

Fabrizio Romano delivers a harsh blow to Real Madrid Fabrizio Romano stated there is no chance for Real Madrid to bring Nico Paz back in January. See more