Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid: Key talking points & observations

The talismanic skipper netted from the spot again, his 10th goal in the league!

Real Madrid took another giant step towards the La Liga title as a Sergio Ramos penalty was enough to secure all the three points against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mames.

In what was billed as the last ‘tough match’ for Los Blancos, chance was difficult to source and the match was headed for a goalless stalemate. Dani Garcia then stepped on Marcelo inside the area, leaving Hernandez Hernandez with no choice but to point to the spot, and the Madrid skipper made no mistake.

Here are the major talking points from the match:

Blancos lacked attacking flair; Asensio the sole shining light

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Real Madrid continues to win games somehow, but the desperate lack of flair and panache upfront is becoming increasingly obvious. This should concern Zidane. Karim Benzema once again looked jaded, most probably because he’s knackered by playing every minute since the restart, while Rodrygo was largely pedestrian on that right flank. This plunged the onus of creating chances on the shoulders of the recently recuperated Marco Asensio, and he tried his best.

Much of the attacking movements from the visitors was witnessed down the left side, where the Spaniard dropped deep to collect the ball before charging upfield and sending some wonderful crosses. They went begging, unfortunately, as neither Benzema nor Rodrygo was truly able to connect with them well and nod home. Nevertheless, his performance reinforced the belief that Asensio could have a significant role to play in the final few games.

Real Madrid leave plenty of gaps in defence; Williams almost bites

With only 21 goals conceded so far, Real Madrid have the best defensive record of any side in all of Europe’s top five leagues, but the number of gaps that they left behind today suggested otherwise. For starters, Marcelo had hooked himself way up the pitch and totally abandoned his defensive responsibilities, leaving the door ajar for Inaki Williams to get in behind and wreak havoc. Had it not been for his wayward shooting, Los Leones would’ve been two to the good by half time.

The Brazilian salvaged himself by winning the penalty, but his deplorable sense of positioning can be pernicious going forward. Ramos too, appeared uncharacteristically shaky and also headed a corner tamely over the bar in the second half. He eventually clinched the winner from the spot to gloss over his outing, but now both are suspended for the home game to Alaves after picking up yellow cards.

Ramos is the undisputed penalty king

Real Madrid’s rey de la pena was at it again. After what was an unconvincing afternoon for him, Ramos turned the tie on its head with another well-taken penalty, his second in a row. Like in the match to Getafe last weekend, Los Blancos were heading for a stalemate and desperately needed a moment of inspiration, and who else but the captain fantastic to provide just that, making no mistake from 12 yards to secure three more points for the champions-elect.

He also took his tally for the season to 10 in La Liga, his best yet, but its the nerves of steel he’s displayed in these high-pressure moments to lift his side up that has well and truly shown what a legendary leader he is. Vamos, Sergio Ramos!

Militao repays Zidane’s faith

Raphael Varane was sidelined for the clash after sustaining a knock to his neck, so Eder Militao was given a rare start in his place and the Brazilian duly delivered. In a defence which rather appeared to be in sixes and sevens for much of the game, the ex-Porto centre-back was a solid counterpoint with great positional awareness and crunch interceptions.

He was particularly essential in keeping Williams at arm’s length in the first half and produced two crucial tackles. Madrid’s improved defensive shape after the break forced Bilbao to content with long balls for the likes of Williams and Raul Garcia, but Militao was once again on hand to clear them, winning three aerial duels. One of the best performers in white today.

Also, a special mention to Luka Modric – how is this chap 34? His work rate would put 20-something players to shame as the midfield metronome turned in another all-around shift.