Kylian Mbappe saw his penalty saved as Real Madrid suffered only their second LaLiga loss of the season following a 2-1 defeat to high-flying Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Alex Berenguer gave Athletic the lead shortly before the hour but Real hit back when Jude Bellingham, scoring for the fourth successive league game, levelled on 78-minutes.
But just moments later, substitute Gorka Guruzeta grabbed what proved to be winner to give the hosts their third straight league victory.
Defeat at San Mamés.#AthleticRealMadrid
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 4, 2024
Madrid had been awarded a spot-kick shortly after Athletic opened the scoring but Mbappe, who failed to convert a Champions League penalty against Liverpool last week, sent his kick too close to Athletic goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
The result leaves Los Blancos, who remain in second, four points adrift of leaders Barcelona but with a game in hand.
The Catalan giants swept aside Mallorca on Tuesday, running out 5-1 winners courtesy of goals from Ferran Torres, Raphinha (2), Frenkie de Jong, and Pau Victor.
Real next travel to Girona on Saturday be another game on the road next Tuesday, when they look to revive their Champions League hopes against Atalanta.
