Real Madrid clashed heads with Athletic Bilbao at San Mames earlier tonight as they looked to pick up maximum points on the road. Los Blancos made a dream start to the game as they got their noses ahead in the fourth minute courtesy of Karim Benzema’s brilliant finish. The French striker doubled the visiting side’s advantage just three minutes later when he found the back of the net once again with a good finish. However, the Bilbao club gave themselves a lifeline soon after as Oihan Sancet scored with a drilled strike. Los Blancos went into the half-time interval 2-1 up on the scoreline.
Both teams canceled each other out in the second 45 minutes as the Madrid giants ended up earning a narrow 2-1 win away from home.
Let’s take a look at how each Real Madrid player performed during the match against Bilbao.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
The Belgian goalie made just one save in the game and won’t be pleased after conceding an early goal.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – 6.5/10
The Spanish full-back gave a good account of himself defensively and made a couple of decent runs with the ball down the right flank.
CB: Eder Militao – 7/10
He did what was required of him at the back and managed to restrict the opposition from scoring more than once during the 90 minutes.
CB: Nacho – 7/10
Nacho cleared the danger when needed and made a few important interceptions for Real Madrid. He was also excellent when passing the ball out from the back.
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LB: Ferland Mendy – 7/10
He performed his defensive duties well and completed a few encouraging dribbles on the left wing.
CM: Eduardo Camavinga – 8/10
Camavinga anchored the midfield with a lot of conviction and was a constant threat going forward as well. He even made two good runs with the ball from midfield.
CM: Toni Kroos – 7.5/10
The German talent won the ball back a couple of times for his side at the centre of the park. He also created two inviting chances in the Bilbao half and has got an assist to show for his efforts.
CM: Federico Valverde – 7/10
Valverde protected his backline well and made a few energetic dashes from midfield. He engineered one key chance in the final third.
RW: Eden Hazard – 7.5/10
The Belgian winger caused a lot of problems for the opposition defenders but there was once again no goal for him tonight.
ST: Karim Benzema – 8.5/10
Benzema scored a couple of early goals which was enough to seal maximum points for Los Blancos. He deserves to be named the man of the match.
LW: Vinicius Junior – 6.5/10
He had a few bright moments in the attacking third of the pitch but never got a sniff at goal.
Substitutes:
ST: Mariano – N/A
Mariano didn’t get enough time to influence the game.
RW: Peter González – N/A
He came on in the 85th minute.
ST: Luka Jovic – N/A
Jovic came off the bench to run the clock down.
