Real Madrid throws away GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to clinch top spot in La Liga with 2-1 loss to Athletic Club

Real Madrid blew a huge opportunity to set themselves up within one point of FC Barcelona as it lost 2-1 to Athletic Club.

Real Madrid throws away GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY to clinch top spot in La Liga with 2-1 loss to Athletic Club

Mbappe's missed penalty handed Real Madrid a 2-1 loss to Athletic Club (Via X/@AthleticClub_en & brfootball)

Real Madrid let slip a huge opportunity to set itself up to overtake Barcelona in La Liga with a 2-1 loss to Athletic Club. A significant error from Federico Valverde and a missed penalty from star man Kylian Mbappe headlined the result as it has now become ‘impossible’ for the Los Blancos to overtake Barca by winning the game in hand.

The 2-1 loss means that Real Madrid remains in second spot with 33 points while Barcelona stays on top with 37. Athletic Club was let off the hook in the initial minutes after Kylian Mbappe‘s goal was flagged offside.

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Madrid then went behind in the 53rd minute, after Alex Berenguer tapped in the ball from close range after a save from Thibaut Courtois fell at his feet. Fans then turned on Mbappe after the Frenchman missed a penalty in the 68th minute

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Jude Bellingham took upon the responsibility to pull his side level as he found the net after getting on the back of a rebound from Mbappe’s shot on target. However, Valverde’s poor decision making ended up in a goal for the hosts as Gorka Guruzeta slotted home for the winner.

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Federico Valverde ‘takes the blame’ as Real Madrid succumbs to 2-1 loss

Real Madrid’s Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde had a moment to forget in the 2-1 defeat to La Liga opponents Athletic Club. The 26-year-old made the decision to dribble under pressure in his own half, only for the player to pass the ball to the eventual goal scorer.

Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde made an error leading to the winner for Athletic Club (Via GOAL)

Following the loss, the midfielder owned up to his mistake, apologizing for the same

I take the blame and I face it and apologize. For my teammates and the fans.

Federico Valverde told the press via Sports Illustrated

The player only recently captained Madrid for the first time and shared his excitement about the same. Several fans backed the Uruguayan and stated that he will comeback stronger.

Valverde ‘promised’ the fans that there will be several more moments to rejoice as the season progresses. Manager Carlo Ancelotti also spoke about the loss, as he let Mbappe off the hook for his penalty miss.

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The Frenchman’s attempt was saved by Julen Agirrezabala, making it the second consecutive occasion which Madrid’s No. 9 failed to convert. His last penalty was saved by Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher in a 2-0 loss in the UCL.