Real Madrid beats Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to keep pace with Barcelona in La Liga

With goals from Benzema and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao away from home by 2-0, at the San Mamés Stadium, for the 18th round of The league.

In pursuit of Barcelona, Real Madrid won three important points at the San Mamés Stadium, as the rival won in the round. With 41 points added, three behind Barça, the meringues remain in second place in the Spanish Championship and will receive Real Sociedad in the next round. On the other hand, Athletic parks in eighth place, with 26 points.

Despite the victory, Real Madrid had several absences in the starting lineup, mainly in the midfield. Tchouaméni is out injured, while Modric and Kroos were rested and started on the bench. This Thursday, the meringues will face the Atletico Madridfor the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey.

First time

The match started with a more aggressive and better Athletic Bilbao on the pitch. Early in the game, the hosts forced Courtois to make a great save. After a rehearsed corner kick, defender Aitor headed in and the Belgian goalkeeper sent it to the bottom line.

The Williams brothers also gave work. Nico received it at the edge of the area, gave Camavinga a roll and risked a kick. Afterwards, Iñaki was activated on the counterattack, tried to dribble Courtois, but ran out of angle and missed the finish.

In the 23rd minute, Fede Valverde crossed into the area, Marco Asensio tackled to the middle, Benzema spun to straighten up and scored a great goal, catching the ball the first time. In the starting line-up, Asensio had a lot of freedom to float down the right wing and help out in midfield.

🗣 ¡¡¡HALA MADRID!!! 🗣 pic.twitter.com/C2sKa9OBQZ

— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) January 22, 2023

Second time

With the advantage on the scoreboard, Real Madrid came back well from the break, but continued to suffer from the speed of Athletic Bilbao’s attack. Iñaki and Nico Williams had opportunities to score, but they were wasted. On the other side, after hitting and rebounding in the area, Nacho kicked hard and forced Unai Simón to use his reflexes and defend from close range.

The game continued open, with scoring opportunities for both sides. On the counterattack, Benzema took off and put Asensio face to face with the opposing goalkeeper. However, the ball landed on his right leg and was kicked off the outside of the crossbar.

Bilbao grew in the final stretch of the match. Berchiche made a good move on the left, crossed in the area, the ball passed through the defense and left for Nico Willians in the small area. The young attacker kicked badly and missed the opportunity. In the 32nd minute of the second stage, after a corner kick, Courtois saved a shot, but gave a rebound. Iñaki Willians took advantage and sent it to the net, but the linesman signaled the offside and the goal was annulled.

In stoppage time, Rodrygo pulled off the counterattack, set up with Valverde and found Toni Kroos invading the edge of the area. The German hit with style and scored Real Madrid’s second goal in the match, enacting victory.

🤩 Enjoy this PHOTO 🤩#AthleticRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/iseSQ5Oh2s

— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) January 22, 2023