Bilbao, Spain – 3 December 2025: Real Madrid moved within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona after a commanding 3-0 win over Athletic Club Bilbao, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Eduardo Camavinga adding a first-half header.

The victory ended a difficult spell for Los Blancos, who had endured three consecutive draws and a heavy defeat against Liverpool, allowing Barcelona to briefly open up a four-point lead at the top.

Mbappé Stars

Mbappé opened the scoring early in the match with a composed finish following a precision long pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, marking the French forward’s 16th league goal of the season. His second goal, a long-range strike in the second half, sealed the victory and highlighted his growing influence in Xavi Alonso’s Real Madrid squad.

Camavinga’s header doubled the lead just before halftime, connecting with a clever cross from Alexander-Arnold, and showcased Madrid’s fluid attacking play.

“Mbappé and Camavinga were exceptional today, linking well with Vinicius and controlling the tempo against a strong Bilbao side,” analysts said.

Key Moments

Madrid dominated from the start, with early threats from Mbappé and Vinicius prompting several saves from Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón. Athletic’s best chances came through Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer, but Thibaut Courtois produced key stops to keep the clean sheet intact.

The win was not without concerns for Madrid, however. Both Alexander-Arnold and Camavinga suffered injuries in the second half and were replaced, raising questions about their availability for upcoming fixtures.

Tactical Overview

Under Xavi Alonso, Real Madrid displayed one of their best performances of the season, blending defensive solidity with attacking fluidity. The team’s pressing and link-up play between Mbappé, Vinicius, and Camavinga kept Athletic on the back foot for most of the game.

The match also offered a moment of unity between Alonso and Vinicius, who shared a warm embrace despite previous tensions, signaling improved squad harmony.

La Liga Title Race Heats Up

With this win, Real Madrid closes the gap to Barcelona to just one point, reigniting the La Liga title race. Barcelona had temporarily extended their lead to four points after defeating Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, but Madrid’s performance in Bilbao keeps the championship contest alive as the season approaches the winter break.

“This is exactly the response Real Madrid needed,” said La Liga pundits. “Mbappé’s brilliance combined with solid team play sends a message to Barcelona and the rest of the league.”

Real Madrid will now look to maintain their momentum and hope key players recover from injuries as they chase La Liga glory in the 2025-26 season.