Athletic Club secured their first victory against Real Madrid in La Liga since 2015, in what proved to be an exciting game.
The Merengues’ forward line lacked the decisiveness and the midfield was uncomfortable handling Bilbao’s pressing.
Here is how the Real Madrid players fared against Athletic Club.
Player ratings:
Thibaut Courtois: 6.5
Did well in the first half to prevent a goal. Could not have done much against the first one but should have saved the second goal. Not a convincing day at the office for the Belgian.
Lucas Vazquez: 5.0
Nico Williams proved to be too much for the aging right-back. Caused him trouble but also got the better of him a few times. Made a few clearances and interceptions too.
Raul Asencio: 7.0
Another good game for the youngster who looked up to the task against a formidable Bilbao attack. Could have done better to prevent the first goal but was caught in two minds due to the awkward pass. Covered for Fran and Vazquez when they were up front and partnered with Rüdiger well.
Antonio Rüdiger: 7.5
A solid, solid outing for him and he would be disappointed that it came in a loss. Won the penalty and acted as a forward in the dying moments of the match. Kept Inaki Williams at bay too.
Fran García: 7.0
It was good to see him receive a start and his performance did not disappoint. Did exceedingly well against Inaki, made 4 clearances amongst other things. Unlucky to have been subbed off though.
Federico Valverde: 6.0
Was having a typical performance but that mistake ruined a good display from him. It was rare to see him make a mistake and the Uruguayan clearly looked out of sorts after committing the mistake. Hopefully, will come out stronger.
Aurelien Tchouaméni: 5.0
A disappointing performance to sum it up. Was overrun by the Bilbao midfield as he was pressing high up the pitch. Not been the best season so far for him and he needs to get his act right.
Dani Ceballos: 7.0
Another start for the Spaniard and did what was asked from him. Kept possession in tight spaces as well and looked comfortable on the ball. Mind boggling decision by Ancelotti to sub him off early.
Jude Bellingham: 8.0
Another day where Jude looked better than any other player in the midfield. Covered for Tchouameni and even Vazquez on an occasion but than did not faze him as the Englishman did his job in his natural position, well enough. Scored again but he would have hoped it came in a better result.
Rodrygo: 7.0
Looked better as compared to the last came. Took defenders on and made some good runs. Defensively did his work too. Hopefully he’s involved in goals from the next match.
Kylian Mbappe: 3.0
He has one good game and then a completely abysmal one. That has been the story of Mbappe’s first season with Real Madrid so far. Made the same mistake of scoring in an offside position and was unable to convert a penalty again. Don’t know what’s going on in his mind at this point.
Substitutes:
Brahim Díaz: 6.5
Brought on early in the 2nd half and his introduction clearly changed the game for Madrid. They did well as compared to the opening half. Found Mbappe with some through balls – without a positive result.
Luka Modric: 5.5
Tried to do a bit too much and did not keep things simple. Ineffective as a set piece taker and did not create many chances too. An underwhelming outing for him.
Ferland Mendy: 4.0
Despite playing 19 minutes, had no defensive actions. Just 12 touches and a long ball.
Arda Güler: N/A
Not enough time on the pitch to warrant a rating.
Endrick: N/A
Not enough time on the pitch to warrant a rating.
