Mbappe penalty miss proves costly as Real Madrid fall to Athletic Club
The result leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s side four points behind Barcelona, who had cruised to a 5-1 win over Mallorca the previous day.
Kylian Mbappé's missed penalty marked a pivotal moment as Real Madrid slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Club at San Mames on 4 december.
The result leaves Carlo Ancelotti's side four points behind Barcelona, who had cruised to a 5-1 win over Mallorca the previous day.
Athletic began brightly, stifling Real Madrid's attack throughout the first half. Their breakthrough came in the second half when Iñaki Williams' cross caused chaos in Madrid's defence, allowing Álex Berenguer to slot home from close range.
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Madrid appeared to find a way back into the game after Antonio Rüdiger was fouled in the penalty area, but Mbappé's spot-kick was saved by Julen Agirrezabala, who made amends for his earlier mistake.
Jude Bellingham's equaliser offered Madrid a glimmer of hope, continuing his scoring streak with a goal in his fourth successive La Liga match.
However, Federico Valverde's misplaced pass just minutes later set up Gorka Guruzeta to restore Athletic's lead, which they held onto for the remainder of the match.
The defeat leaves Real Madrid still chasing Barcelona at the summit of La Liga, albeit with a game in hand. Athletic Club remain firmly in fourth place, buoyed by a resilient display against their illustrious opponents.
