Kylian Mbappe had a penalty saved as Real Madrid suffered just their second La Liga defeat of the season after a 2-1 defeat at high-flying Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Alex Berenguer gave Athletic the lead just before the hour mark but Real hit back when Jude Bellingham, who scored for the fourth straight league game, equalized in the 78th minute.
But moments later, substitute Gorka Guruzeta scored what proved to be the winner, giving the hosts a third successive league win.
Defeat at San Mames.#AtletikRealMadrid
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 4, 2024
Madrid were awarded a spot-kick shortly after Athletic had opened the scoring, but Mbappe, who failed to convert a Champions League penalty against Liverpool last week, sent his shot wide of Athletic’s Julen Aguirrezabala.
The result leaves Los Blancos in second place, four points behind leaders Barcelona but with a game in hand.
The Catalan giants thrashed Mallorca on Tuesday, winning 5-1 thanks to goals from Ferran Torres, Rafinha (2), Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor.
Real’s next trip to Girona on Saturday will be another away game next Tuesday as they look to revive their Champions League hopes against Atalanta.
