Kylian Mbappe saw his penalty saved as Real Madrid suffered only their second LaLiga defeat of the season following a 2-1 defeat at Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Alex Berenger gave Athletic the lead just before the hour mark but Real hit back when Jude Bellingham, scoring for a fourth consecutive league game, equalized on 78 minutes.
But moments later, substitute Gorka Guruzeta grabbed what proved to be the winner to give the hosts their third league win in a row.
Defeat at San Mames.#AthleticRealMadrid
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 4, 2024
Madrid were awarded a spot-kick shortly after Athletic opened the scoring but Mbappe, who failed to convert a Champions League penalty against Liverpool last week, sent his shot wide of Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
The result leaves Los Blancos, who remain second, four points clear of leaders Barcelona, but with a game in hand.
The Catalan giants swept Mallorca on Tuesday, running out 5-1 winners thanks to goals from Ferran Torres, Raphinha (2), Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor.
Real’s next trip to Girona on Saturday is another game on the road next Tuesday when they look to revive their Champions League hopes against Atalanta.
