Carlo Ancelotti’s team missed an opportunity to reduce the gap with Barcelona at the top of La Liga after a disappointing away defeat.

Kylian Mbappe had another penalty miss during a lackluster performance as Real Madrid lost 2-1 to Athletic Club at a lively San Mames on Wednesday. The high-profile summer signing saw his second consecutive penalty saved, and although Jude Bellingham scored to keep Madrid in the match with his fourth goal in as many Liga games, two defensive mistakes proved costly.

Madrid struggled early on, with the home side creating several chances while the visitors failed to threaten significantly. Their closest attempt came from a deflected shot by Mbappe that found the net but was ruled offside. Federico Valverde also had a chance from a free-kick but shot well over the bar.

The home team took the lead early in the second half when Thibaut Courtois parried a dangerous ball directly to Alex Berenguer, who easily tapped it in from close range. Madrid had a prime opportunity to equalize through Mbappe, but he missed his second penalty in a week, with reserve goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saving his shot.

Bellingham made up for his team-mate’s mistake, turning home from close-range to level the scores with 12 minutes remaining. A signature Madrid comeback seemed to be on, but Athletic responded immediately, with Gorka Guruzeta taking advantage of a Valverde error and finishing past Courtois.

GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from San Mames…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (5/10):

Made a couple of important saves, but his mistake led to the Athletic opener.

Lucas Vazquez (6/10):

Ran a lot, kept Nico Williams quiet, but his final pass was missing.

Raul Asencio (6/10):

Made a couple of vital defensive interventions in the first half. Done for pace on the Athletic winner.

Antonio Rudiger (6/10):

Won the Madrid penalty, kept things tidy defensively.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Put in some really excellent defensive work. Unlucky to be subbed.

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (5/10):

Good to have him back as a presence, but he was really sloppy at times. A mixed 70 minutes.

Federico Valverde (5/10):

Blasted a fre- kick miles over the bar in his only real action of the first half. Really good in the second until he gave the ball away to gift Athletic the winner – a rare costly mistake.

Dani Ceballos (5/10):

As tidy as usual with the ball, but lacking in imagination. Deservedly removed on the hour.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Absolutely everywhere throughout. Drove forward, tracked back, and grabbed Madrid’s only goal. He won’t bag 20 goals this season, but Bellingham has been quietly excellent of late.

 

Attack

Rodrygo (5/10):

Floated around quite a lot without being particularly impactful. Doesn’t have a great understanding with Mbappe yet.

Kylian Mbappe (3/10):

Had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but was well offside. Missed another penalty. A miserable evening.

 

Subs & Manager

Brahim Diaz (5/10):

Darted into space, tried to make things happen, but never in the right area to deliver.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

A confusing sub, although he didn’t do much wrong.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Looked off the pace, in truth. A bit too frantic for him.

Endrick (N/A):

Too little, too late.

Arda Guler (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (4/10):

Went with his strongest side, and had his two forwards float around a bit. But Los Blancos were pretty much outplayed throughout, defensive errors and another penalty miss proving costly. Another forgettable day.