Real Madrid fought back to 1-1 draw after going down early to Athletic Bilbao. Madrid’s fierce attack was mostly stifled by Kepa and his defensive crew.
First Half
Zinedine Zidane played a strong lineup against Athletic Bilbao, taking the Basque club seriously in Real Madrid’s hunt for the second place spot in La Liga. Kroos and Modric played in something of a double pivot, flanked by Asensio and Vazquez on the wings, with Ronaldo and Benzema up top.
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The strength of Madrid’s lineup showed in the scintillating attacking play that Los Blancos put together. Real Madrid tested Bilbao’s goal time and time again, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga into a number of top drawer saves which may leave Zidane regretting his decision to forgo signing the keeper this winter.
Despite their strength in attack, Madrid looked characteristically vulnerable on the break. Madrid have been awful in transition defense this season, and Athletic exploited that weakness fiercely. In the 13th minute, Inigo Cordoba played an incisive ball into Inaki Williams who chipped easily over the onrushing Keylor Navas.
Athletic played the rest of the first half conservatively, mostly content to sit back and absorb wave after wave of Madrid attack. For their part, Real Madrid did not look complacent in their hunt for the equalizer. Los Blancos demonstrated intensity, putting together some great football in Bilbao’s half. Asensio and Vazquez in particular terrorized the Athletic defense. Were it not for some poor shooting from Madrid and some excellent keeping from Kepa, Madrid would have certainly found an equalizer. But it was not to be, and Madrid went into halftime one goal down.
Second Half
The second half started with Real Madrid maintaining a good share of possession and Bilbao again content to threaten Madrid on the counter. Luka Modric looked much more active in the second half, determined to get his team back on track.
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Around the 60th minute mark the match really began to open up, as both teams began pushing forward to score. Zidane brought on Bale and Isco for Benzema and Asensio. Real Madrid looked determined to get the goal, but Bilbao held steadfast against the onslaught of attacks.
The match looked like it was grinding down to a Real Madrid loss until the 86th minute, when Luka Modric, who was putting on an imperious performance in the second half, steered a low skipping shot into the back of the net. Ronaldo deftly flicked the oncoming ball into the back of the net. Real Madrid were only able to strike once against Kepa over ninety minutes, and The Dark Invader claimed the honors.
Real Madrid will be disappointed to not get the three points, but all credit to Bilbao’s defense who deserve plaudits for their ability to hold back a rampant Madrid attack.