Real Madrid rediscover their winning formula.

Real Madrid secured a resounding victory against Bilbao.

The resounding 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames in the 19th round of La Liga on the morning of December 4th not only rescued Real Madrid, but also revealed a more coherent, explosive, and vibrant version of Madrid than ever before.

Real Madrid arrived at San Mames in a somber mood. Three defeats against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona had severely shaken Xabi Alonso's position. But it was at Athletic's hallowed ground that Madrid unexpectedly bounced back with their strongest performance of the season so far.

Xabi's tactical "surgery" was the biggest highlight. Real defended in a 4-4-2 formation, but when building up play, the system immediately opened up into a 3-5-2. Tchouameni dropped back between the two central defenders to create leverage to escape pressing. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Carreras were pushed higher up the pitch to play as wingers, while Bellingham and Valverde moved inwards to control the midfield. This new rhythm helped Real stifle space when they lost possession, effectively press high up the pitch, and recover 13 chances in Athletic's final third.

For one of the rare occasions this season, every individual on the pitch played in sync. Mbappe maintained his excellent form with two goals and an assist, while Vinicius looked much more relaxed now that he wasn't being dragged into a heavy defensive role. He unleashed four shots, the same number as Mbappe, and created constant pressure with his speedy dribbling.

Trent was the biggest beneficiary. Given space to attack, the English defender proved his worth with seven crosses – the most in the match – before being forced off the pitch with injury in the 53rd minute. It was a major disappointment on a night when he was completely dominating the right flank.

Amidst the suffocating pressure following three consecutive defeats, Xabi Alonso found the formula he had been searching for.

Camavinga, the second injury victim, also made a significant impact. He increased the score to 2-0 with a header and had the highest assist xG in the match (0.77). In defense, the French player recovered the ball seven times and helped Valverde feel more comfortable playing in his pure midfield role.

Another highlight was Bellingham. From his familiar attacking midfield position, the former Borussia Dortmund star was moved down to play on the left wing by Xabi, but when attacking he was given absolute freedom. He was fierce in his tackles, won six duels and led the team in the number of ball recoveries (7). When Real Madrid led 3-0, Bellingham slowed down to conserve energy.

It all revolved around Tchouameni, the pivot of the entire system. He touched the ball 104 times, the most in the match, and was a key link in helping Real control the tempo of the game. Camavinga's goal, ending a 41-second run of possession with 15 passes, was clear evidence of the fluidity that Xabi had built.

San Mames could be the turning point of the season. Real Madrid have finally found the "rock & roll" rhythm that Xabi promised. The only remaining question is how they will maintain it without Trent and Camavinga, two crucial pieces in the new structure.

Source: https://znews.vn/real-madrid-tim-lai-cong-thuc-chien-thang-post1608448.html