My previous post, centered on Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid match preview panned out as expected.
I was expecting a thrilling encounter and tough one for Real Madrid; not just because most of their very important players are ruled out, but because Athletic Bilbao have proven themselves a tough nut to crack this season and at San Mames, they possess a seemingly impenetrable fortress.
I won't deny that my major faith last night was hinged mainly on Real Madrid's shining youngster this season, Vinicius Junior; as he always proves a menace to any defence and creates space for other forwards. My hope was not to be dashed as Vinicius played a part in the first goal of the night, just with less than 3 minutes played.
Unlocking Athletic Bilbao's compactness could prove to be a herculean task but you should be alright with taking up that task when you approach it with much experience. Karim Benzema, who has been a top player for Real Madrid for a long time now played a beautiful curling shot from an impossible angle which went past the entire Athletic defence and into the net to send Real Madrid ahead.
The second goal for Real Madrid 5 minutes later will come off as more of luck than experience but that classic first goal paved the way to Real Madrid edging Athletic Bilbao in that encounter.
Bilbao would draw one back not long after Real Madrid scored their second and it became a cagey encounter from then onwards. Both teams produced few clear cut chances and defended absolutely well, evidenced by no more additional goal after scoring 3 under the first 10 minutes.
This is not the first time Real Madrid has seen experience help them triumph when the odds were stacked against them. It was a crucial win for the whites as they ended the year 2020 with style. They remain top of the La Liga Santander table and look set to lift their 35th League title come end of season next year.
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