Real Madrid fought back to 1-1 draw after going down early to Athletic Bilbao. Madrid’s fierce attack was mostly stifled by Kepa and his defensive crew.
First Half
Zinedine Zidane played a strong lineup against Athletic Bilbao, taking the Basque club seriously in Real Madrid’s hunt for the second place spot in La Liga. Kroos and Modric played in something of a double pivot, flanked by Asensio and Vazquez on the wings, with Ronaldo and Benzema up top.
Tonight's starting XI! VAMOS!
The strength of Madrid’s lineup showed in the scintillating attacking play that Los Blancos put together. Real Madrid tested Bilbao’s goal time and time again, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga into a number of top drawer saves which may leave Zidane regretting his decision to forgo signing the keeper this winter.
Despite their strength in attack, Madrid looked characteristically vulnerable on the break. Madrid have been awful in transition defense this season, and Athletic exploited that weakness fiercely. In the 13th minute, Inigo Cordoba played an incisive ball into Inaki Williams who chipped easily over the onrushing Keylor Navas.
Athletic played the rest of the first half conservatively, mostly content to sit back and absorb wave after wave of Madrid attack. For their part, Real Madrid did not look complacent in their hunt for the equalizer. Los Blancos demonstrated intensity, putting together some great football in Bilbao’s half. Asensio and Vazquez in particular terrorized the Athletic defense. Were it not for some poor shooting from Madrid and some excellent keeping from Kepa, Madrid would have certainly found an equalizer. But it was not to be, and Madrid went into halftime one goal down.
Second Half
The second half started with Real Madrid maintaining a good share of possession and Bilbao again content to threaten Madrid on the counter. Luka Modric looked much more active in the second half, determined to get his team back on track.
Around the 60th minute mark the match really began to open up, as both teams began pushing forward to score. Zidane brought on Bale and Isco for Benzema and Asensio. Real Madrid looked determined to get the goal, but Bilbao held steadfast against the onslaught of attacks.
The match looked like it was grinding down to a Real Madrid loss until the 86th minute, when Luka Modric, who was putting on an imperious performance in the second half, steered a low skipping shot into the back of the net. Real Madrid were only able to strike once against Kepa over ninety minutes, and it was Modric who netted the honors.
Real Madrid will be disappointed to not get the three points, but all credit to Bilbao’s defense who deserve plaudits for their ability to hold back a rampant Madrid attack.
Real Madrid player ratings as Cristiano Ronaldo has final say in 1-1 draw
Real Madrid managed to salvage a 1-1 draw at home to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga.
Cristiano Ronaldo who was rested for the encounter against Malaga got the final touch as Luka Modric’s shot from the edge of the box in the 87th minute led to the equaliser for the hosts.
Prior to that though, it was Bilbao who drew first blood through an Inaki Williams goal in the 14th minute.
Here’s how the Madrid players perform.
STARTING XI
Keylor Navas 5 – Didn’t have much to do. Well-beaten for the goal. Had a sloppy moment in the second half when he flapped at a cross.
Dani Carvajal 6 – Played a couple of good crosses from the right, one of which set up Ronaldo who hit the bar. Laid it off for Modric whose shot was flicked in by Ronaldo. Good at the back as well.
Sergio Ramos 5 – Should’ve done better to pick up Williams’ run for the goal. Had a header on target in the same half.
Rafael Varane 6 – Composed at the back for the most part and produced a stunning save from the keeper with a header in the first half.
Marcelo 5 – Bombed forward as usual and found Ramos with a good cross on one occasion.
Marcos Asensio 7 – Was one of the most creative players with six key passes. Kept trying to find a way through and even had two decent shots on target as well.
Toni Kroos 7 – He directed play with his excellent passing and his free-kick nearly saw Varane score. Created a couple of good chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo 7 – A frustrating outing but he was always a threat. Unfortunate to hit the bar with a superb header early on. Finally got his goal with a faint touch off Modric’s effort.
Luka Modric 6 – Not his most commanding display. Couldn’t find the killer ball his side needed and offered little defensively in the absence of Casemiro. His shot at the death saw Ronaldo get a touch for the goal.
Karim Benzema 4 – Couldn’t replicate his creative performance against Malaga. Poor effort from a good chance created by Carvajal.
Lucas Vazquez 7 – Excellent in the first half, creating two or three good opportunities. Faded in the second a bit although his volley did bring a decent save from the keeper.
SUBSTITUTES
Isco 6 – Replaced Asensio in the 68th minute and was lively.
Gareth Bale 5 – Came on for Benzema but couldn’t make an impact.
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