Player Ratings: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Real Madrid; 2024 La Liga
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Courtois was solid, notably making an early save on a Nico Williams cross that denied Inaki Williams a tap-in. He kept Real Madrid in the game with crucial interventions throughout.
Lucas Vazquez – 4.5
Vazquez was often the sole option down the right flank due to Fede Valverde’s central positioning. His lack of support in transition made it hard for Madrid to build attacks effectively, limiting their game in possession.
Raul Asencio – 5.5
Asencio had a nervous start, holding onto the ball too long and getting dispossessed early in the defensive third. However, he recovered well, using his speed to break up attacks and make important clearances. On the first goal conceded, he could have cleared the ball more decisively.
Antonio Rudiger – 8
Rudiger was a standout performer in defense. Given Madrid’s struggles in possession, he was often left in 3v4 situations, but he handled it well with key interventions. He made seven clearances in the first half alone, keeping his team in the game despite constant pressure.
Fran Garcia – 4.5
Starting over Ferland Mendy, Garcia was solid in 1v1 defensive situations but struggled in possession. His erratic passing and decision-making made it difficult for his teammates to rely on him in buildup play, contributing to Madrid’s inability to get forward effectively.
Aurélien Tchouaméni – 3
Tchouaméni’s inclusion disrupted Madrid’s midfield balance. His pressing was ineffective as Athletic Bilbao easily bypassed it. His height was expected to aid in set-pieces, but overall, he had little impact and did not offer much defensively or offensively.
Dani Ceballos – 6.5
Ceballos was one of the few players who remained composed and willing to take the ball in tight spaces. He continued his good form from recent matches and was instrumental in maintaining possession, though he was substituted early, much to the team’s surprise.
Fede Valverde – 3
Valverde had a difficult game. Forced to return to his right midfield role, he made a crucial error late in the game, trying to nutmeg an Athletic player in his own half, leading to the game-winning goal. His overall performance was disappointing, especially given Madrid’s struggles in possession.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Bellingham was tasked with multiple roles in midfield and attack, covering for teammates, building play from deep, and acting as a link-up player. He was everywhere, but it was too much for him to handle. He scored his fourth consecutive La Liga goal but couldn’t help his team secure a draw.
Rodrygo – 6
Rodrygo tried to connect midfield and attack but saw little of the ball as Madrid defended for much of the game. He was involved in the set-piece that led to the penalty kick, but his influence on the game was limited by his team’s struggles to keep possession.
Kylian Mbappé – 2
Mbappé was largely ineffective. His offside goal in the first half was the only notable moment, but he struggled to make an impact otherwise. Missing yet another penalty, he appeared low on confidence, contributing little in open play.
Substitutes:
Brahim Diaz – 6
Diaz was one of the first substitutes, attempting to spark a change in rhythm. He delivered a few incisive through balls to Mbappé, but these never materialized into scoring opportunities.
Ferland Mendy – 5
Mendy replaced Garcia but was largely uninvolved in the attacking phase. He offered little going forward and couldn’t influence the game as needed.
Luka Modric – 4
Modric struggled with several misplaced long passes and set pieces. His usual composure and accuracy were lacking, contributing to Madrid’s overall lack of control in the game.
Arda Güler – N/A
Güler came on in the final three minutes, too late to make any significant impact as Madrid attempted a last-ditch push to salvage the game.
Endrick – N/A
Endrick entered the game with just three minutes remaining, offering little time to make a difference in the final moments of the match.
