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VALVERDE: TEAMWORK, MBAPPé'S ATTACK KEY TO MADRID'S STRONG WIN
Captain Valverde credits Real Madrid's improved intensity and teamwork for the crucial 3-0 win at San Mames, helping the team regain focus and attack energy.
Real Madrid got back on track in La Liga with a solid 3-0 win against Athletic Club at San Mames on Wednesday, bouncing back after three games without a win.
Kylian Mbappe was on fire, scoring twice and setting up Eduardo Camavinga for a goal, pulling his team to within a point of league leaders FC Barcelona.
Courtois Relieved to Be on Mbappe's Team
After the game, Real Madrid's goalie, Thibaut Courtois, who had some awesome saves himself, couldn't say enough good things about Mbappe, calling him ‘unstoppable.’
“He’s unstoppable. I was thinking during the game how lucky I am that he’s on my team, so I don’t have to play against him all the time, except with France. He’s just amazing, and we love watching him play and what he brings to the team. Hopefully, he keeps it up,” Courtois said.
About the team's performance, he noted, “That match was super important, and it's always tough playing there. It was key to get a win after a few draws, and we did it with teamwork, pressing hard, and playing with energy right from the start.
“We stepped up our game, playing with more energy. Against Girona, especially in the first half, we didn't have that intensity in attack or defence. It’s hard to compare the games because Athletic plays more open, but we were great.”
Talking about his two big saves, Courtois said, “Those are the moments when the team needs me, and I’m glad I could help, especially with that second stop.
“I read the play well because I saw the ball going to Berenguer. I closed the gap and got a strong hand on it.”
Finally, about that cool team goal that made it 2-0, Courtois said:
“It came from a counterattack when they were pressing us. I’m not sure if I started it, but that’s been missing from our game recently. Trent played a good ball, we moved it forward, and then Trent sent in a great cross.
“Mbappe surprised me with his header, and Camavinga finished it off. That’s what we need: guys in the box. It’s important when the midfielders get there.”
Valverde Praises Mbappe Too
Federico Valverde, who was captain for the game, also had high praise for Mbappe.
“It’s huge when a player as good as him can almost always create a goal when he touches the ball. It gets us going; it’s great to have him up front, working with the team,” Valverde said.
“We know what he brings to the attack, all the goals, but it’s cool to see how teams defend against him and Vini Jr.”
About the team’s performance, the captain said, “The best thing was how hard we worked for the whole ninety minutes. We’ve been having trouble staying focused in recent games, giving up early goals.
“We talked about it in the locker room: we had to change that and come out pressing and score first, to relax a bit.”
“We played great. Everyone on the team worked hard on defence. We were also really good on attack. We have players who can score almost every time they touch the ball. We’re happy with the win, and I’m glad to be part of this team.”
On being captain at San Mames, Valverde said, “It’s an honour to represent this team every day, and I’m so happy to have these teammates who always support me.
“I’m happy to keep playing here, keep winning, and keep getting better as a team.”
About his own game, he said, “I try to enjoy every day and do my best whenever I get a chance to play. The last few games have been mentally tough for me because I wasn’t playing as well as I had been.
“But that’s on me. I try to give it 100% in training and on the field. I’m always thankful for my teammates’ support. They’re always there to help me and pick me up. And I’m also thankful to the coaches, who believe in me.”
Valverde is glad that Real Madrid is back at the Santiago Bernabeu after a tough stretch of away games, adding:
“We’re excited to be back after so many games on the road. It’s a pleasure and an honour to keep representing this team. Returning to the Bernabéu is awesome. Hopefully, we can get another win with our fans.”
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS: ANALYTICAL LOOK AT TWO BLUNDERS COSTING XABI ALONSO'S JOB
Xabi Alonso's job is at risk after Real Madrid suffered a chaotic defeat to Man City, sealed by crucial errors from Courtois and Rudiger within seven minutes.
If this was the night Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid dream died, he'll leave the Bernabeu knowing the wounds were self-inflicted.
This game showed just how unpredictable football management can be.
Needing a win to relieve pressure after a shaky spell, Alonso's team seemed in control after Rodrygo's goal. Even without Mbappe, nursing a knee injury, Real was the better team. Man City looked strangely uncertain and couldn't get a grip on the game.
But goals can shift everything, mostly when a team's confidence is low.
Then came two quick errors: Courtois gifting O'Reilly an easy goal and Rudiger fouling Haaland for a penalty that was converted. Real went from control to chaos in seven minutes.
That’s how it stayed. As Real got nervous, City took over and secured a win that puts their Champions League fate in their own hands, with games against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray coming up.
As for Alonso, things look tough. After the game, following his team's fruitless late efforts, he shook Guardiola's hand and headed down the tunnel. The Real anthem played, but without the fans' voices, it felt like a funeral march, which may be how things turn out.
On paper, Real's season isn't a disaster. Slot at Liverpool would take it. They're second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, and in the Champions League spots. But the mood in Madrid is bad, and Alonso's job might be at risk. This was their second loss to an English team in Europe, and they've only won two of their last eight games.
The city doesn't care about that. They came here with bad memories of past games at the Bernabeu and some doubts about their own European form. They left with their fate in their hands and deserved the win.
After equalizing, they were the better team and could have scored more.
Early on, they had to hang on. Real even had a penalty shout within two minutes after City lost the ball in midfield.
Real created an opening on the left, and when Nunes tripped Vinicius Junior, it looked like a clear penalty. It was given, but VAR showed the foul was just outside the box. Valverde's free kick went wide.
City struggled to get into the game and were vulnerable on the wings. Rodrygo found space on the right, and his cross to Vinicius Junior was well-timed. But Donnarumma should have done better than let Vinicius lift the ball over him and wide.
Real kept pressing and eventually scored. Silva lost a challenge, allowing Real to switch the ball and create an opening. Bellingham helped the ball to Rodrygo, who finished well.
City seemed in trouble, but a goalkeeping howler gave them a way back. Courtois pushed a header into O'Reilly's path, and he scored.
Then, a lifeline turned into an advantage. A city corner was cleared, but VAR spotted Rudiger pulling Haaland. Haaland scored the penalty, and City led.
Courtois then saved well from Haaland and Cherki, and in the second half from Silva and Doku. But his earlier mistake changed the game, and Real never recovered.
Bellingham missed a chance and took his frustration out on the advertising boards. Later on, there were a couple of headed chances that might have leveled the score on another day.
But this wasn't Alonso's day, and it might have been his last.
LEFT-BACK NIGHTMARE: REAL MADRID FACES DEFENSIVE VOID AFTER MASS SUSPENSIONS
An analysis of Real Madrid's suspension woes: Endrick's final La Liga match is confirmed, while defensive gaps force Coach Alonso to make tough tactical calls.
Real Madrid's recent loss to Celta Vigo wasn't just a simple defeat; the team is struggling right now. To make matters worse, four players are now suspended for upcoming games.
In the match against Celta Vigo, Fran Garcia received two yellow cards, while Alvaro Carreras and Endrick Felipe were ejected for arguing with the referee. Dani Carvajal, the team captain, was also noted for comments he made to the referee, even though he wasn't playing.
Now, all four players know their punishment. Carreras, Endrick, and Carvajal will each miss two games, while Garcia will only sit out one game because his sending off was due to two yellow cards, according to Sport.
This means all four will be out for the game against Alaves this weekend. Carreras, Endrick, and Carvajal will also miss the final game of 2025 against Sevilla.
The suspension hits Endrick harder since he's expected to leave Real Madrid for Lyon in January. This means his season with Real Madrid is likely over, unless he plays in the Champions League game against Manchester City or the Copa del Rey match against CF Talavera de la Reina.
For Carvajal, the suspension doesn't really change anything. He's still recovering from a knee injury and isn't expected back until January or February, so he wouldn't have been available for the Alaves or Sevilla games anyway.
Real Madrid probably won't have a natural left-back for the Alaves game since Ferland Mendy is injured. But Garcia will return for the Sevilla game the following weekend, which is some welcome news for coach Xabi Alonso.
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