Real Madrid showcased their tactical superiority with a commanding 3-0 victory against Athletic Club at San MamĂ©s, reinforcing their status as one of La Liga‘s elite. The match began with Madrid establishing a clear advantage, registering a 0.88 to 0.70 expected threat (xT) by the 15-minute mark. They dominated possession, amassing 32 touches in the final third compared to just 11 from the hosts.
As the first half unfolded, Athletic Club attempted to respond, briefly edging ahead in cumulative xT at 2.05 to 1.98 as they found some rhythm around the half-hour mark. However, Madrid’s territorial dominance was evident, and by halftime, they had reclaimed control with a 3.59 to 2.87 xT lead and 100 touches in the final third versus Athletic’s 76.
The statistics from State Review paint a vivid picture of Madrid’s control during the opening period. The visitors constructed nine sequences—seven moderate, one patient, and one short—while Athletic managed only four sequences (two moderate, one patient, one short). This disparity highlighted Athletic’s struggle to sustain meaningful pressure against Madrid’s well-structured possession.
Antonio RĂĽdiger stood out defensively with an impressive 95.6% pass completion rate, accumulating an xT gain of 1.071 and delivering ten progressive passes that continually dismantled Athletic’s midfield press. AurĂ©lien TchouamĂ©ni was pivotal in midfield, leading all players with 106 touches and completing 91.7% of his passes while contributing ten progressive balls forward and five ball recoveries.
Jude Bellingham also excelled, leading Madrid’s midfield progression with eleven progressive passes alongside seven ball recoveries and a remarkable pass completion rate of 92.9% over 74 touches. His six progressive carries facilitated transitions from defense to attack, consistently pushing Madrid forward.
Kylian Mbappé proved to be a constant threat throughout the match, registering an xT gain of 0.704 along with eight progressive passes and seven successful carries. His ability to take on defenders resulted in four successful dribbles and two key passes within the final third.
On the other side, Adama Boiro emerged as Athletic Club’s most effective outlet from left-back, achieving an xT gain of 1.600 with fifteen progressive passes while maintaining an impressive pass completion rate of 88.9%. Aymeric Laporte supported him in buildup play with thirteen progressive passes but struggled to convert their efforts into genuine scoring opportunities.
Despite dominating possession statistics in their opponent’s half (320 touches to Madrid’s 310), Athletic’s overall pass completion rate of just 76.1% starkly contrasted with Madrid’s superior rate of 87.6%. This gap underscored the technical disparity between the two sides.
After halftime, Athletic mounted their most sustained threat, leveling cumulative xT at 3.59 each by the hour mark and even taking the lead in final third touches at 111 to 106 by the seventy-fifth minute. However, despite their increased activity in attack, the scoreboard remained unyielding; by full-time, Athletic had amassed a cumulative xT of 4.93 against Madrid’s 4.56 but failed to convert this into goals.
In the final moments of the match, both teams appeared exhausted creatively; Athletic managed two moderate sequences without completing any short or patient build-ups while Madrid produced just two sequences total (one moderate and one short). Ultimately, while Athletic enjoyed periods of pressure and territorial gains, it was Real Madrid who delivered clinical finishing when it mattered most.
Their victory not only cements their position in La Liga but also serves as a reminder of their tactical prowess and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
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