Athletic Club vs Real Madrid Match Recap - Dec 3, 2025

Real Madrid Dominates Athletic Club: A 3-0 Statement Win

Kylian Mbappé's brilliance shines again as Real Madrid dismantles Athletic Club 3-0, solidifying their title ambitions in La Liga.

Mbappé's two goals today add to his already staggering tally, bringing him to 21 goals in 20 appearances this season. His relentless pace and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders, and Athletic Club's backline was no exception. The Frenchman's ability to exploit space and create opportunities has been pivotal for Madrid, who now sit firmly in second place with 33 points, just behind the league leaders.

Eduardo Camavinga emerged as a key figure in midfield, scoring one goal and showcasing his versatility. His performance today was a continuation of his upward trajectory, having been instrumental in both defensive duties and transitioning play forward. Camavinga's ability to control the tempo and link up with the attacking trio of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Federico Valverde has been crucial for Madrid's success. This match further cements his role as a rising star in the squad.

Athletic Club's recent form has been a mixed bag, with today's loss marking their third defeat in five matches. Despite a promising win against Levante just days prior, the team struggled to find their rhythm against a more dominant Madrid side. Their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances was evident, as they managed only two shots on target throughout the match. This lack of offensive output continues to plague them, especially after a dismal showing against Barcelona where they conceded four goals.

Nico Williams remains a bright spot for Athletic Club, but he was largely contained by Madrid's defense today. His pace and dribbling ability have been vital for Athletic's attacking play, yet he found it difficult to break through the organized backline led by Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão. Williams' recent performances have shown flashes of brilliance, but he needs more support from his teammates to make a significant impact.

Real Madrid's tactical superiority was evident throughout the match. They controlled possession with 62% and outshot Athletic Club 15 to 6. The visitors' ability to transition quickly from defense to attack left Athletic struggling to keep up. Madrid's pressing game forced errors from Athletic, leading to several counter-attacking opportunities that were expertly executed.

The midfield battle was another area where Madrid excelled. Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni dominated the center of the park, consistently winning duels and distributing the ball effectively. Their partnership has become one of the most formidable in La Liga, allowing Madrid to dictate the pace of the game and create numerous scoring opportunities.

Athletic Club's defensive frailties were exposed once again. After conceding four goals against Barcelona and two against Newcastle in previous outings, today's performance did little to inspire confidence. The backline struggled to cope with Madrid's attacking threats, leading to gaps that were ruthlessly exploited by Mbappé and Camavinga. Coach Ernesto Valverde will need to address these issues quickly if Athletic hopes to remain competitive in the league.

The result leaves Athletic Club in eighth place with 20 points, raising questions about their aspirations for European qualification this season. With upcoming matches against Atletico Madrid and other top teams, they must find a way to regain their form and build momentum before it's too late.

Real Madrid's victory not only reinforces their title credentials but also serves as a warning to their rivals. With players like Mbappé and Camavinga in such fine form, they are poised to challenge for the championship once again. Their next match against Celta Vigo will be another opportunity to solidify their position at the top of the table.

Reflecting on my pre-match prediction of a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid, it seems I underestimated their dominance today. The team's cohesion and attacking prowess were on full display, leaving little doubt about their intentions this season. As they continue to build momentum, it will be fascinating to see how far they can go in both domestic and European competitions.

Athletic Club must regroup quickly if they are to avoid slipping further down the standings. The pressure is mounting, and with key players like Williams needing to step up, they face a critical juncture in their season. The next few matches will be crucial for defining their campaign moving forward.