Match Report: Real Madrid survive early scare to beat Athletic

Much of the talk before the game had been of the reports from Marca in the last 24 hours, claiming the Real Madrid camp was unsettled, with an issue between Sergio Ramos and José Mourinho getting the spotlight. However, it was time to get matters sorted on the field – and Mourinho caused more chatter with his team selection.

Out most notably went Pepe, and in came young Raphael Varane. Also, Esteban Granero, lucky to get in the squad at times this season, started. Athletic went with Fernando Amorebieta at left back, replacing the suspended Jon Aurtenetxe. Mikel San José took the Venezuelan’s place in central defence.

The game started very brightly with both teams looking to take the initiative – the visitors especially not holding back. Athletic were firing balls in from the wide areas causing problems and it paid off in the 12th minute with the game playing out end to end.

A break away from Athletic saw Ander find Javi Martínez in acres of space on the right wing, and he had time to pick out Fernando Llorente at the back post with a superb cross, and he side footed past Iker Casillas. Silence fell over the Bernabéu after a beautiful move from the Basque outfit. Even Marcelo Bielsa almost raised a smile…almost.

Real Madrid didn’t go into their shells though, and still looked dangerous. Kaká then went very close but his shot flew just wide. Athletic should have doubled their lead when a shot from Iker Muniain was parried into the path of Óscar De Marcos. With an empty net, he scuffed the shot much to the relief of Casillas and his team-mates.

Real Madrid then got level on the 25th minute and did so n style. Intricate one touch passing between Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema managed to open up the Athletic defence and it sent through Marcelo who opened his body and drove the ball past the goalkeeper.

Fernando Llorente could have doubled his tally as he found himself through on goal but he sliced shot disappointingly wide, after losing his composure.

The half time whistle blew and the scores were even. The home team were getting frustrated going forward and defensively looked frail.  But for a couple of misses, Real Madrid were lucky to go in even at half time.

The teams came back out for the second half and whatever Mourinho said to his squad worked as Real Madrid took the lead in the first minute of the second half. Fantastic play involving Kaká and Ronaldo allowed the Brazilian space in the box and he had his shorts tugged. Penalty, and with Ronaldo about, there was only one outcome. The penalty was drilled into the top corner as the hosts took the lead.

With 25 minutes left, it was out of reach for Athletic. Real Madrid extended their lead against the run of play. With Athletic pressing so high up and pushing for an equalizer, Los Merengues counter attacked and Mesut Özil went through on goal, only to have his legs swiped away in the box. Another penalty and as it was a last man challenge, the referee had no choice but to send off De Marcos. Ronaldo made no mistake yet again.

With the man advantage, Real Madrid were finding the space easily. This was demonstrated as the substitute Gonzalo Higuaín rounded Gorka Iraizoz and with time, agonizingly hit the post.

With 5 minutes left, José Callejón made it 4-1 to the home side. From defence, the ball was played to Higuaín who split the defence with a perfectly weighted pass. Callejón took a touch and placed the ball past Iraizoz with ease.

The match ended and the score line rather flattered Real Madrid. The turning point in this game was the second penalty and the subsequent red card for De Marcos. Up until that point, Athletic looked dangerous and capable of beating Casillas but with a player down, Real Madrid exploited the space given up. Athletic can head back to Bilbao with their head held high, and Bielsa will know his team will look forward to the return game at San Mamés.

FT: Real Madrid 4 (Marcelo 25, Ronaldo 47, 67, Callejón 86) Athletic Bilbao 1 (Llorente 12)

Phil Green can be followed on Twitter here.

Tags: Athletic, Bielsa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho, Real Madrid