Madrid, 4 December (H.S.): Real Madrid ended a three-match winless streak in La Liga with a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, thanks to a superb double strike by Kylian Mbappé. With this win, Madrid secured 36 points from 15 matches and remain second in the standings, just one point behind league leaders Barcelona.

Madrid took an aggressive approach from the outset. In the seventh minute, Mbappé picked up the ball near halfway, evaded two defenders, and curled a stunning shot from outside the box into the top corner, breaking Bilbao’s resistance early on.The partnership between Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior continuously troubled the Bilbao defense throughout the first half, though Madrid’s forwards missed some chances.

Bilbao nearly equalized in the 24th minute, but Thibaut Courtois produced a spectacular reflex save to deny Guruzeta, followed closely by a critical block on a shot from Alex Berenguer.Just before halftime, Madrid doubled their lead through Eduardo Camavinga’s header.

Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a precise cross from the right flank, which Mbappé deftly headed to Camavinga, who made no mistake in finishing. Courtois also denied Jauregizar’s powerful shot to maintain Madrid’s lead going into the break.

Madrid slowed the pace in the second half but Mbappé’s magic persisted. In the 59th minute, spotting the goalkeeper off his line, Mbappé unleashed another curling strike from outside the box, effectively sealing the win.The brace marked Mbappé’s 16th goal in 15 La Liga matches this season—double the tally of second-placed Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski, who has eight.

Speaking after the match, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said, “This was an important game as we needed to end our poor run. The team delivered a very balanced and exceptional performance. It was our most complete match yet, especially on such a challenging ground.”Real Madrid will next face Celta Vigo on Sunday, before hosting the eagerly awaited Champions League clash against Manchester City at Santiago Bernabéu on December 10.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar