Real Madrid put the gloss on a fine 2021, closing out the year with a fine win over Athletic which is certainly a very important win at this period against a team that can put in difficulty any opponent no matter how strong they may be. Los Blancos flew out the blocks and there were three swift goals scored inside the first 10 minutes. Kroos fired off a warning shot in the opening minute with a hallmark strike, before the next move of the match yielded the first goal. The German's one-touch lay-off was perfect for Benzema, who effortlessly whipped the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box. An absolute worldie.
The league leaders knew one was not enough and wasted no time doubling their lead. Valverde won the ball back in the centre of the park and shot forward quickly, laying the ball to Hazard. The ball flicked off a defender and fell to Benzema, the Frenchman making no mistake as he swept the ball past Agirrezabala to complete his double (7’). That spurred the hosts into life and their first shot on goal ended up in the back of the net. Sancet was the scorer, in some style, as his long-range effort flew in off the post leaving Courtois with no chance. And that was all inside the first 10 minutes.
The game suddenly opened up and Ancelotti's side had the chance to increase their lead in this end to end spell on the half hour mark. A lively Hazard cut in from the right, making his way into the penalty area, pulling the ball back for Benzema before De Marcos nicked it from him just when it looked like a goal was on the cards. Real Madrid looked to maintain possession, keep control and dictate the tempo of the match, while Athletic continued to play their trademark high pressing football throughout the second half. On the hour mark, Williams came close to netting the equaliser but his shot flashed into the side-netting.
Roared on by their fans, the Red and Whites pressed forward and forced our team to defend with everything they had, with Vini Jr. delivering a remarkable performance. Tiredness set in but the intensity didn't drop in the final 15 minutes, as Hazard had the chance to score from a counter-attack, linking up well with Benzema and Vini Jr. in the 80th minute, but his left-footed effort was kept out by the home keeper. Ancelotti freshened things up, bringing on Mariano, Jović and Peter, who picked up where their teammates left off and gave their all until the full-time whistle to secure the three points from a pulsating game at San Mamés.
After the match, as always, the boss spoke about the performance and praised the team for this important result. The coach reflected: “This is a huge win for us because I think we delivered a complete performance with a team which hasn't been used to so much game time recently. I really have to underline the efforts of Nacho, Lucas Vázquez, Camavinga, Valverde, Hazard, who haven't been playing too much but turned up today and put a superb shift in. It was a high quality game for the vast majority and they showed great commitment. That's the most important thing for me, almost as much as the 3 points, which is ultimately what counts. The celebration we do has become customary in recent games and the ovation for Karim was amazing. This is a ground with a wonderful atmosphere, I really love it and Karim deserved it".
Hazard and Vini Jr.'s defensive efforts: “They understand what the team needs from them in a defensive sense. They did a great job. They worked hard and showed commitment and then brought real quality to the attacking play, especially early on. The difference, as we've said before, is in the defending. This team knows how to go forward, we can score goals because we have outstanding individuals but we struggle a little more at the other end, but we've done a good job so far".
"Hazard is important for the team. It's true that on an individual level he played better in this game, at a time when I wasn't sure about him physically, but he did well, I replaced him in the second half. He battled, he tried things up top. He's back, yes. He's back", he added.
Rotations: "I congratulated all the players after the game and I told them something very important: it's difficult for me to put these players on the bench. I have that thought every game, it's difficult to leave out players with so much quality and such a great attitude. I always try to put the team out that I think can win the game".
End of the year: "We've done very well so far, the players have done brilliantly, and that's it. We will take stock at the end of the season but so far it's going very well. We'll try to win something because that is what this club demands and we have to wait until the end of the season. We've got a week to rest now, it's well deserved. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and we'll see you next year".
Below are the player ratings:
Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois: 7.0
Made two big saves including one that saw the ball stopped by catching Nico William’s shot in between his legs.
Lucas Vazquez: 6.0
Aside from one very poor pass towards Courtois that was intercepted by Inaki Williams, was an improved performance at right back. Lucas’ form always seems to improves with continuity.
Eder Militao: 8.0
Another very good game from Eder Militao, the Brazilian won all of his aerial duels and kept the duo of Inaki Williams and Oihan Sancet quiet.
Nacho: 7.0
Defended really well 1 v 1 against both Williams brothers, including an astute play covering Nico Williams and denying him the cross despite the young Bilbao player’s lethal pace. One mark on his book could be on the goal scored by Sancet, arguably could have gotten closer to close down the shot.
Ferland Mendy: 6.0
Offers very little going forward, but had more than one duel against each Williams brother where he showed off his impressive physical strength.
Eduardo Camavinga: 4.0
Shaky game all around. He had a few good crunching tackles, but for the most part was not comfortable in the lone pivot position. Took shots when they were not on, had some heavy touches which nearly led to counter attacks, and has already earned his 5th yellow of the season meaning he misses the next match against Getafe.
Toni Kroos: 7.0
Won all of his ground duels, team high of 114 touches, and an assist on Benzema’s goal. The German was once again the metronome to Real Madrid’s midfield.
Fede Valverde: 5.0
When Madrid were in possession, Valverde would start from the right back position and then use his speed and agility to burst up the field carrying the ball or combing via a one-two interchange. The one complaint were that those bursts and interchanges were not frequent enough.
Eden Hazard: 4.5
Played as a right winger and looked well but he slowed the play down far too often. Almost never took on his man and struggled to keep up with important counter attacks near the end of the second half.
Vinicius Junior: 5.0
Too many tricks and too many confrontations with Athletic Bilbao players rather than focusing on his game and his product in the final third. Will get some much needed rest over the holiday break.
Karim Benzema: 8.5
Scored an iconic first time strike that curled perfectly into the bottom corner of the net. Just a few minutes later, nabbed the second after taking advantage of a deflection off of Unai Nunez.
The subs:
Peter Federico: 6.0
Played on the left wing instead of his preferred right wing for the final 5 minutes of the match. Featured more in a left wing back role than in a winger role. Was played through by Eduardo Camavinga on a counter attack and had a 1 v 1 with Atheltic Goalkeeper, Agirrezabala, and hit his first time shot right at the keeper. Just a minute or so later, found some space on the wing and cut the ball back for Luka Jovic who should have done a lot better.
Mariano: 3.0
A very poor cameo in the final 5 minutes. Strangely played as a right winger and lost the ball twice leading to dangerous counter attacking opportunities for Athletic and then overhit a long ball to Peter on Madrid’s own dangerous counter.
Luka Jovic: 3.0
Came on in the 89th minute for Karim Benzema. Had a great opportunity to score after Peter set him up, but took a very soft shot with his left foot right at Agirrezabala.
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