Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés marked a challenging night for the club, with Kylian Mbappé’s missed penalty adding to the frustration. After the final whistle, Luka Modric approached the French forward with a pointed yet encouraging remark: “In these games, we win leagues.”
The defeat, Madrid’s fifth of the season, came amidst a host of setbacks, including an unusually depleted squad.
The team faced Athletic without several key players, including defenders David Alaba, Jacobo Ramón, Dani Carvajal, and Éder Militão, the latter sidelined due to a torn cruciate ligament.
In attack, the absence of Vinícius Jr. was felt, while the midfield missed Eduardo Camavinga’s influence.
Despite these challenges, the match was crucial, representing not just an opportunity to secure points but also a test of Madrid’s unbeaten away record in La Liga.
That streak, stretching back to an early-season loss to Atlético Madrid, ended bitterly at San Mamés, punctuated by Mbappé’s failure from the penalty spot.
Modric’s Call for Unity
Speaking after the match, Modric highlighted the significance of such fixtures in the pursuit of league titles.
“These big games are where we win leagues. It was crucial to win here,” the Croatian midfielder remarked, emphasizing the importance of minimizing errors in critical moments of the season.
Rather than singling out individual mistakes, Modric’s words were seen as a rallying cry for the team to regroup and refocus.
His message to Mbappé was particularly poignant, reflecting both the veteran’s leadership and his desire to inspire a collective response to the setback.
Madrid’s Struggles Continue
The match against Athletic also underscored the broader difficulties Madrid has faced this season.
Injuries have hampered consistency, and the team’s lack of depth was evident as they struggled to cope with the intensity and physicality of Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Bilbao capitalized on Madrid’s vulnerabilities, outworking their opponents in a match that exposed gaps in the Blancos’ approach.
Eyes on Girona
With the loss now consigned to history, Madrid’s focus shifts to their upcoming fixture against Girona.
Modric’s words at San Mamés serve as a reminder of the stakes ahead, as Real Madrid seeks to turn the page and reignite their campaign.
