Kylian Mbappe scored twice and provided an assist as Real Madrid returned to form with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga.
Kylian Mbappe was once again the star of the show for Real Madrid as they moved back to within a point of LaLiga leaders Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona opened up a four-point lead at the top of the table on Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, putting the pressure on Xabi Alonso’s men, who travelled to the Basque Country on the back of three successive LaLiga draws and on a run of just one win in their last five games in all competitions.
Mbappe, though, ensured Los Blancos got back to winning ways in the league, opening the scoring in the seventh minute at San Mames before teeing up compatriot Eduardo Camavinga for Madrid’s second just before half-time.
And the France star had the final say in a routine win for the visitors, curling beyond Unai Simon in the 59th minute to put the game beyond doubt.
Mbappe stunner gives Real Madrid fast start
Having been denied by a fine save from Simon in the fourth minute, Mbappe broke the deadlock in style as he collected a superb cross-field pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold before racing to the edge of the area, cutting inside a defender and unleashing an unstoppable shot beyond the Spain goalkeeper.
Thibaut Courtois had to be alert to deny Gorka Guruzeta at the other end, with Alex Berenguer then drawing another impressive stop from the Belgian.
Athletic paid the price for failing to take those opportunities as Camavinga doubled the Madrid lead.
An intricate team move around the Athletic box ended with Alexander-Arnold’s excellently weighted cross being headed back across goal by Mbappe for Camavinga to nod in.
Trent injury mars win
Following his significant influence on the first half, Alexander-Arnold suffered another setback in a difficult first season for Madrid as he was forced off through injury 12 minutes into the second.
His withdrawal did not check the Madrid momentum, though, and Mbappe ensured their would be no comeback from the hosts when he snuck the ball inside the near post from long range to take his tally for the season to 25 goals across LaLiga and the Champions League.
Camavinga also came off with an apparent injury, with the issues for him and Alexander-Arnold sure to be a concern for Alonso a week out from their Champions League clash with Manchester City.
But overall Alonso will have been satisfied by a welcome return to form for his side, who host Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
