🇪🇸 Errors haunt Real Madrid as Athletic Club earn last laugh | OneFootball

Athletic Club handed Real Madrid just their second LaLiga defeat of the season after a 2-1 win on Wednesday.

Scorer: Berenguer 53', Guruzeta 80; Bellingham 78'

It was a tense atmosphere inside San Mamés, and fans were forced to wait until the second half for any theatrics.

Real Madrid dominated the ball in the opening phases, but Athletic Club were better in front of goal with four chances to three. Unfortunately for the hosts, just one effort found the target. Los Blancos, meanwhile, had zero and were often called offside.

Athletic Club entered the second half with a bit more spirit, and that, coupled with an error from Thibaut Courtois, led to the opener. A weak punch from the goalkeeper pushed the ball off Alejandro Berenguer and into the net.

Madrid then had a chance to equalise after Athletic Club's goalkeeping error. Julen Agirrezabala rushed out and punched Antonio Rüdiger instead of the ball, but Kylian Mbappé missed a second-consecutive penalty attempt for his club.

When one star failed to sparkle, another shone. Jude Bellingham drew level minutes later after burying an initially saved effort on Mbappé. The midfielder now has six goal contributions in his last four games.

However, a second error immediately after gifted Athletic Club the lead. Fede Valverde tried to play it too cool in midfield, and his failed nutmeg let the ball fall to substitute Gorka Guruzeta, who raced toward goal and scored.

The result means Real Madrid lost ground in their attempt to catch leaders Barcelona and sit four points back with a game in hand. Meanwhile, the win was huge for Athletic Club (fourth).

📸 ANDER GILLENEA - AFP or licensors