Real Madrid beat Bilbao 3-0: The "Alien" Mbappe

Real Madrid beat Bilbao 3-0 in a spectacular performance by Kylian Mbappe, who scored two stunning long-range goals and came close to equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's record.

1. There are stadiums not for the hesitant. San Mames is one of them, considered a football sanctuary, where the cheers are as heavy as steel, and history weighs on the shoulders of every runner.

In situations like these, Real Madrid often either collapse or discover a new legend. In the early match of La Liga's 19th round, the name that came to mind was Kylian Mbappe .

Mbappe breaks through and scores a spectacular goal. Photo: Diario AS

Real Madrid arrived in Bilbao in a state of disarray, out of sync, tired, and with much doubt surrounding Xabi Alonso. They stepped onto "La Catedral" (the cathedral; the name for San Mames stadium) burdened with a four-point deficit behind Barcelona.

In Alonso's fledgling project, all eyes were on Mbappe. The French striker responded with spectacular performances.

The opening goal needed no preparation, no ceremony. It came as a matter of course.

Mbappe received a long pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right wing – a move not seen in a long time from the former Liverpool defender, whose right foot has been described as "magical" – while he was in the middle of the pitch.

Kiki controlled the ball like someone catching a fluttering butterfly, making a graceful run with excellent technique, advancing to the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a right-footed shot to score.

2. The goal in the 7th minute struck a blow to the pride of San Mames. No luck. No saving grace. Only the skill and instinct of an outstanding goalscorer.

Too much space behind Real Madrid's defense created opportunities for Bilbao to surge forward. Nico backheeled the ball into the net, Berenguer had a one-on-one chance but Thibaut Courtois made an excellent save.

Mbappe's long-range shot sealed the 3-0 victory. Photo: Diario AS

While Xabi Alonso was still tinkering with perfecting his tactical machine, he was fortunate to have two players who seemed to be from another world . Courtois shone in goal, and Mbappe exploded on the opposite side of the pitch.

Before the first half ended, Trent once again found Mbappe with a David Beckham-style cross to the far post, and the French striker headed the ball to Camavinga, who headed it in to double the lead.

On that Basque night, Mbappe wasn't playing football; he was controlling the game. Everything he did was effective, becoming a nightmare for Bilbao, making them feel like guests in their own home stadium.

The match was decided after almost an hour. This time, Alvaro Carreras was credited with an assist even though he did almost nothing significant.

Carreras passed the ball to Mbappe, who burst into the penalty area to wait for a combination. However, Kiki controlled the ball with one touch before unleashing a powerful shot from 27 meters, the ball traveling with such force and a curve that it went past Unai Simon's outstretched hand and straight into the net.

3. Two goals – he's scored five goals from outside the box this season, more than anyone else in the top five European leagues. One assist. "La Catedral" was silent. And then the numbers started to speak.

Mbappe has 55 goals in 2025, just 5 goals short of Cristiano Ronaldo's historic record for a calendar year.

Mbappe maintains impressive form. Photo: Diario AS

Goals are no longer just events. They're becoming a biological rhythm. Every weekend, every European night, Mbappe adds another line to an already overflowing list of achievements.

The "alien" version of Mbappe is saving Real Madrid, saving Xabi Alonso, as he has been involved in the team's last 9 goals: 7 goals and 2 assists for Bellingham and Camavinga.

In other words, without Mbappe, Real Madrid becomes silent. He doesn't just score goals; he makes the entire game revolve around him.

Xabi Alonso is still building. His project is still in its scaffolding. But Mbappe has brought in the light to fill in the gaps.

San Mames, the place where Mbappe hit rock bottom a year ago, has now become the stage for him to rise to the top.

After a dark November, with only one win, Mbappe led Real Madrid to a moment of relief on the tough pitch. Now it's time to think about Celta Vigo and Man City.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/real-madrid-ha-bilbao-3-0-nguoi-ngoai-hanh-tinh-mbappe-2469219.html