Athletic Bilbao 0–3 Real Madrid

Real Madrid finally ended their poor run of form away from home with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club at San Mames. Their performance, needless to say, brings hope that they can recover their footing after a rough spell.

Kylian Mbappe netted a brace on the night, and Eduardo Camavinga was the other name who got on the scoresheet with a wonderful team goal.

The result helps Los Blancos reduce their deficit with Barcelona to just one point and stay within reach of the leaders after 15 games.

Xabi Alonso faced the media after the team’s win away at San Mames last night, and he stressed how important the result was given the team’s situation.

"It was an important match. We wanted to break the dynamic a little, but we came with the necessary calm and preparation."

"I think the team has made a very complete game. We were very focused for the ninety minutes, barely conceding," he added.

Elaborating on what he liked from his team on the night, the manager said,

"In the first half, we played very well, generating chances. It has probably been the most all-round game we have ever played. In a demanding stadium and at an important moment. We took it easy, now we have to continue."

The Spanish tactician then opened up on Kylian Mbappe who again scored a brace on the night, and he did not hold back in praising the Frenchman.

"He is in a very good moment. Today he has scored two great goals again. The mobility he has had and the connection with Vini Jr. has been very good."

"The team has come out, from the first minute, to win the game with concentration, intensity and good rhythm. We have mastered the game in the first half and in the second, although we have not had the ball so much, we have continued to have control," he added on the team’s performance.

The manager then spoke of how the result was crucial after the last three games for the team in La Liga.

"It was an important moment after three draws away from home to win again. We’re back home on Sunday."

While Real Madrid’s win last night was quite comfortable, Thibaut Courtois was still forced to make some massive saves on the night.

"It’s not news that makes decisive stops. At that moment it has allowed us to maintain the advantage to continue growing in the game," Alonso said on the goalkeeper.

The media then asked the coach to reveal if he saw Arda Guler and Jude Bellingham to be compatible players, and he admitted that he absolutely did.

"It’s totally compatible. Arda had three games in a row and Camavinga did not play the start of the other day. There are a lot of games and we are playing every three days. It was just a technical decision for today’s game."

Finally, the manager was asked if this could be a turning point in Real Madrid’s run of form and bring them back on track, to which he said,

"Today is today, and that is the most important thing. The performance that the team has given and the collective quality. The team has been very stable, that’s what I keep."

"We go game by game. After the draw in Girona, we knew it was an important moment. After taking it out, from tomorrow we will already think about Celta," he added.

"The calendar is very demanding and does not allow you to think about it too much, both the good and not so good moments," Alonso concluded.