Real Madrid - Athletic Club

Athletic Club’s long-running winless streak at Santiago Bernabeu was extended for a further year after the Lions lost 1-0 on Wednesday night. Karim Benzema scored for the home side, but Athletic had half a dozen clear-cut chances to put one past Thibaut Courtois.

Unfortunately, the Belgian keeper was in inspired form, pulling out stunning saves against Raul Garcia and Oihan Sancet to inflict an undeserved first away defeat of the season for Marcelino’s side.

A tense opening 20 minutes aside, Athletic were far superior to Real Madrid for most of the affair. There was no want for a lack of trying for the Lions, they did almost everything they could to score but just lacked the right touch in front of goal.

Athletic’s first chance came in the 23rd minute, Iker Muniain playing a long ball through to Iñaki Williams, whose subsequent shot was blocked by Eder Militao.

Barely three minutes later Raúl García had a golden opportunity to equalise. Muniain swung in a great free-kick which found the striker free at the back post, but his header was saved by Courtois with a superb low hand.

The only goal of the match came in the 39th minute. Marco Asensio shot from the edge of the area, Unai Simón parried it away and Luke Modric’s attempted shot turned into an assist for Benzema, who was there to make the most of.

Athletic brought on Oscar de Marcos for Iñigo Lekue at half-time and then took things up a notch, with Real Madrid barely getting a sniff at goal in the second half. The Lions, on the other other put Courtois under pressure from the off.

In the 49th minute, Oier Zarraga‘s effort from the edge of the box went just wide. On the hour mark, a nice move down the right saw Raúl set up Dani García in the box, but the latter’s shot hit Lucas Vázquez before going for a corner.

Chances came thick and fast for the Lions. Unai Nuñez just missed with a header from a Muniain free-kick. And in the 76th minute, Sancet twisted and turned his way through the Real Madrid box and was only denied glory by Cortouis again. Mikel Vesga and Yeray also had headers in the closing stages, while Madrid were nowhere close to threatening Simon. Unbelievable, but true.