Xabi Alonso expressed his admiration for Kylian Mbappe after the striker’s two exceptional goals led Real Madrid to a resounding 3-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, ending a three-game winless streak in La Liga. This victory secures Real Madrid’s position in second place with 36 points from 15 matches, just one point behind league leaders Barcelona.
Alonso praised the team’s performance, stating, “I think the team played a complete game today, concentrating for the whole 90 minutes… it was probably the best match we’ve had, at a difficult place to go, at a big moment, and we took it on calmly and now we must continue.” He acknowledged the importance of bouncing back from a previous draw against Girona, emphasizing the need to stay focused as they prepare for their next match against Celta Vigo.
Despite the positive result, the match saw injuries to key players Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga in the second half, who were both substituted. Reflecting on Mbappe’s earlier struggles, Alonso noted that the player’s performance marked a significant turnaround. Last winter, Mbappe missed a penalty in a similar match, describing it as his “rock bottom.” Now, he returned to form, showing his prowess on the pitch.
Mbappe’s impressive form was evident as he opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match. A well-placed long pass from Alexander-Arnold found Mbappe, who skillfully maneuvered into the box to deliver a stunning finish past goalkeeper Simon. Real Madrid quickly established dominance, with Vinicius providing additional threats, narrowly hitting the post and being denied by Simon in a one-on-one situation shortly after.
The team’s effort paid off with a second goal before halftime. Mbappe cleverly redirected a cross from Alexander-Arnold, allowing Camavinga to score from close range. Thibaut Courtois was also pivotal for Madrid, making a crucial save early in the second half to keep Athletic Bilbao at bay.
However, the match had its downsides as Alexander-Arnold succumbed to a muscular injury in the second half, paving the way for Raul Asencio’s introduction. Mbappe then solidified the win with his second goal, a long-range effort that crept in at the near post, marking his 25th goal of the season across all competitions.
The evening ended on a bittersweet note for Alonso, as Camavinga’s injury added to his concerns following a strong performance against his former rivals. Notably, the coach received a warm embrace from Vinicius as he made substitutions, signifying a positive shift in their relationship after recent tensions. Overall, the match highlighted Real Madrid’s potential as they aim to maintain their push for the La Liga title.