Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid result, goals, summary | LaLiga Santander
FT | Athletic 0-1 Real Madrid: LaLiga Santander
Real reactions
It may not have been a vintage performance from Los Blancos but the job was done.
They knew coming into this that a win would see the title race go into the final week and that is what they have achieved. As full-time whistles across the country edged closed it did appear that it was going to be an even better outcome for the defending champions but that wasn't to be.
The LaLiga title is in the hands of their neighbours but, given what we saw today and in recent weeks, there could well be some more surprises awaiting us. What we do know is that the title will remain in the Spanish capital after Barça lost.
Madrid still in the hunt
A goal off the unsuspecting, but well positioned Nacho was the difference at San Mamés.
After the game the versatile defender was asked if they knew on the pitch what was happening in the Atleti game. He said he knew they'd been drawing late on but obviously didn't know about the late drama until the very end.
FULL-TIME
Goals | Nacho (68')
Peep, peep, peeeeeeep!
It's all over and we're going to the final week of the season to decide the title.
Athletic have one last chance to make it happen, but it's Nacho who comes across and covers.
That could be that.
Title race update live:
Barça are behind to Celta in the dying minutes.
There will be three addtional minutes.
Garcia red
Raul Garcia has just been shown a straight red after complaining (rather rudely, I'd guess) to the ref about that last free-kick decision.
Title race update live:
Luis Suárez may have just made some scenes at the Wanda. Here's what happened.
Clever from Hazard, collecting the ball wide on the left, he had the chance to run forward but turns back and takes the foul.
Free-kick and more seconds wasted...
Madrid continue to play for time. Pass, pass, pass. Even from the halfway line the choice is to whack it back to Courtois to keep possession.
It's a great tactic if it works...
Vesga heads just wide
The hosts are still threatening and Zidane cannot be comfortable on the sidelines.
The latest comes from Vesga, who gets really good contact with the head but is unable to direct it on target.
Title race update live:
The free-kick awarded to Madrid would normally have been fired into the mixer but given the situation Modric takes it short and they try to run down the clock a little more.
Two bookings for Athletic: Martinez and then Garcia. Tackles and moaning.
Hazard comes on for Rodrygo
Atlético Madrid 0-1 Osasuna live online: updates, scores and highlights | LaLiga Santander
Title race update live:
Oh my! Massive news coming in from Paul at the Wanda. Atleti are behind.
Ibai comes close
Best chance of the game falls to the recently introduced player, ghosting into the area to meet a lovely cross from the left.
But he guides it wide of Courtois' goal. Great opportunity.
The Basques know they can't sit back and hit on the break any longer and have noticeably stepped up their play in Madrid's half.
The white backline are moving around and cutting out spaces. It's all about game management now.
More Marcelino changes
Unai Lopez on for Sancet
Ibai on for Vencedor
Athletic get their heads up and go on the search for an equaliser.
They do manage to win two consecutive corners but don't threaten with them.
Zidane will be keen to get control of this in the middle of the park and see the game out.
VAR is having a check about the offside but as the French striker is not interfering with the play it's almost certainly going to be given...
And it is!
Goooooaaaaallllll!!!! Nacho gives Madrid the lead
The defender didn't know much about it as the corner is worked quickly to Asensio on the right and his low, firm cross goes through Benzema (who was in an offside position) and smacks off the unmarked Spaniard's knee into the net.
There is still plenty time in San Mamés for goals to happen but I feel it's going to take a moment of luck or genius given the chances.
Athletic subs:
Villalibre on for Williams
Vesga on for Garcia
Raul Garcia on for Morcillo
Benzema doing some Bilbao bothering right now with a couple of dangerous moments appearing to open up. Defence holds firm though and we still have no breakthrough.
Casemiro onto crossbar
Another corner for Madrid, Modric takes again.
The Brazilian, backtracking under pressure, does brilliantly to flex his neck muscles and guide the ball back across goal and it looks like it's dropping in over Simon. Clang!
Atlético Madrid 0-0 Osasuna live online: updates, scores and highlights | LaLiga Santander
Title race update live:
Atleti finally break the deadlock in their game. Oh wait, it's been ruled off!
Asensio comes on Vini
Short corner doesn't come to anything and Zidane appears to be about to make his first change.
Simon saves from Modric
Benzema can't escape down the left so turns back and rolls the ball to his Croatian midfielder who steps forward and smacks a low effort goalwards.
It looks as though it may be sneaking inside the left upright so it was an important finger-tip save from Simon to turn it past. Corner.
Two more corners added to Madrid's tally tonight but the defence does its job once and twice again.
Modric has tried to mix his deliveries up but nothing doing as yet.
Another chance for the hosts, although maybe just a 'quarter' one.
Martinez lets fly from distance and it's still rising.
Courtois saves from Morcillo
That counter opens up a chance for the Bilbao midfielder on the left. As he enters the penalty area he has a choice, shoot from a tight angle or try and pick out a teammate with a cutback.
Morcillo chooses to strike and, although getting plenty behind it, it's straight at Courtois who stands strong.
Modric on the ball again, this time in the middle of Bilbao territory, and finds Odriozola through a tiny gap between players to set up the right-wing cross.
The home side win it back well and storm forward with purpose...
Modric delivers from the corner, right onto the edge of the six-yard box where Militao rises and gets his head to it first.
Just over.
Madrid get us going and we are immediately on the front foot.
Odriozola puts a ball into the opposition area but the defence takes control. He does win a corner out of it though.
Peeeep! Here we go. A big 45 for Madrid...
The referee is taking his time getting this going again. Looks like he's timing it with the other games...
The players are heading back onto the pitch.
Changing room advice
What will Zidane and Marcelino have said to their respective players at the break?
The home gaffer will be relatively happy to have kept the reigning champions at bay, but will be stressing the importance of them holding onto the ball better and getting at their opponents, a team that is far from unbeatable.
The French coach on the other hand will want his forwards to be much more composed when in a position to create. It's a discussion he'll have had several times this season.
Big three comparison
This is how Real Madrid compared to Atleti and Barça ahead of kick-off. And not a lot has changed...yet.
LaLiga half-times
It's not often we have the schedule filled with games being played simultaneously. As well as the big three in action, here's a look at where other goals have been going in.
Half-time
It's goalless here and the other two games that will decide the top spots are also level.
Peeep! The whistle blows
Other than another hopeful ball forward for Vini to chase, nothing else of note to report.
Peeep! The whistle blows
Other than another hopeful ball forward for Vini to chase, nothing else of note to report.
Just the one minute to be added.
CLOSE! Berenguer from a free-kick just outside the area finds the gap but watches as his effort slides just outside the right-hand post.
Courtois wasn't sure so threw himself across just in case.
Barcelona vs Celta Vigo live online: updates, scores and highlights | LaLiga Santander
Title race update live:
Santi Mina levels it up at Camp Nou
It's Vinicius this time, going past his cover and dinking a chip into the area. Simon does well at full stretch to pluck the ball out of the air before it reaches the back post.
Brazilian shoulder drop
Rodrygo almost does create that danger moment, showing the defender the fake eyes before jinking past him close to the goalline.
Unfortunately for the youngster there was enough of a bump on him to force him to kick the ball out of play.
Three corners in a row for Los Blancos and each time they are unable to cause the home defence any significant worry.
Zidane will be happier with the last 10 minutes though as the pressure and territory is being dominated by his men.
The corner comes in but Athletic do enough to keep any real threat down.
There's a sense that Madrid are starting to take more control of this game. That said, they've not created any decent chances.
VAR penalty check
There's a slight delay in play before Madrid can take the corner as VAR is having a check.
There's no doubt that it hit the arm, but I can't imagine any decision maker in the game is going to offer that up as a valid penalty.
And VAR does indeed say play on.
Was there an arm used by Morcillo there to block a cross?
Barcelona vs Celta Vigo live online: updates, scores and highlights | LaLiga Santander
Title race update live:
Messi puts Barça ahead
Chance from the corner from Bibao but a strong header gets it clear and the visitors head away at pace.
From the break, Modric has space on the left to deliver and does so, although it's too close to Simon who grabs and smothers.
We're straight down the other end - both teams appear to want the direct approach whenever possible - as Valverde overlaps his forwards.
Simon follows his opposite number's lead and steps out of his box sharpish to clear the danger.
De Marcos has a go, running into Los Blancos' left back space but excellent covering from Nacho ensures the cross isn't getting into the centre.
It's a long ball over the Madrid defence now as the teams look to stretch the play.
First glance suggests the backtracking Militao may be in trouble but Courtois is quick out of his area to sweep up.
Vini sprints into space and just needs the usual pinpoint precision from Modric to find him. This time the Croatian fails to turn on the magic wand in his boots and the ball runs away
Barça and Atleti in action
A reminder that we at AS English are bringing you all three games in the race for LaLiga live simultaneously.
If you want to keep an eye on Atlético Madrid vs Osasuna then join Kieran here.
If you'd rather follow what Messi and co are up to then Paul has all your needs covered over here.
Of course, why not just use the tabs function and enjoy them all...
Berenguer booked
The Athletic midfielder is the first to have his name and number taken.
It actually comes from his own free-kick midway inside the Madrid half, and as Vini hits on the counter he makes sure he's not getting far.
Good play from Odriozola and Rodrygo on the right, but just inside the Bilbao area ends with a snapshot under pressure for the Brazilian.
Best exchange of the early moments, although not much to compete with thus far.
Williams again looking to make something positive happen for the Basques and floats across a high ball into the area.
The trajectory confuses those in the centre as it flies to the far side and the chance is gone.
No sooner had that wobble come than Athletic cause similar problems down the other end.
Pressure on Courtois by Williams forces some quick passing out of defence from Madrid, which didn't go to plan, but the hosts can't make anything from it.
I sense some nerves out there.
Simon almost hands Madrid a helping hand as he took his time to clear from inside his six-yard area. Vinicius was closing fast and blocked the kick.
The rebound fell kindly for the keeper and danger gone. He may not try that again.
Casemiro was the one down, after being caught in the face by a accidental Williams boot after falling. He looks fine to continue though.
Rodrygo gives away a foul after being robbed of the ball in his own half. Chance to fill the area and cause some problems.
It's all a bit crowded in there and no single player can get any real contact on the delivery. Someone's hurt though...
Athletic get things underway, shooting from left to right as I look on.
An early push down the left is quickly broken up and the visitors look to get some touches of the ball.
Peeep! We're off.
Iago Herrerin is presented with a framed shirt before we get down to business.
He leaves Athletic Club at the end of the season after eight campaigns and 119 matches.
Right, the teams are heading out. Who's your money on?
Athletic vs Madrid
A quick look at the match history between these clubs shows a notable H2H edge for the visitors.
That may not mean much tonight...
Bilbao incentive
I talked before about Athletic not having much to play for tonight but there's no doubting their inner desire to win this contest.
They would like nothing more than to make sure that the title doesn’t go to the Bernabéu - the Basque outfit sharing a historical affinity with Atlético - and Marcelino’s side have the weapons to torpedo Madrid’s late run towards the Liga summit.
That said, Madrid will have fond memories of travelling to San Mamés in the 2011-12 season, when victory would see the title head back to the capital from the Camp Nou trophy cabinet.
Goals from Gonzalo Higuaín, Mesut Özil and Cristiano Ronaldo secured the league for José Mourinho’s side, the Portuguese delivering the domestic title for the first time since 2008 in his second season in charge.
Making the difference
Iñaki Williams has been one of those strikers who has been tauted for a number of years for a big-money move away from San Mamés but he's still there.
Could he be the hero for Atlético Madrid and/or Barça tonight?
Madrid warm-ups
The visitors have been out on the pitch getting familiar with the turf and stretching off a little.
We've got around 15 minutes until the important whistle blows.
Real Madrid: Allegri, Raúl the frontrunners to replace Zidane
With Zinedine Zidane seemingly intent on leaving his role as Real Madrid head coach at the end of the season,AS understands the LaLiga giants are considering appointing club legend Raúl González Blanco or former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri as the Frenchman’s successor. As things stand, Allegri appears to be the likelier candidate.
While they have been at pains not to plan for a change of coach in a manner disrespectful to the current incumbent, Madrid have already been in contact with Allegri in anticipation of a potential Zidane exit. The 53-year-old, who has been unattached since leaving Juve in 2019, has delayed responding to offers from two other major clubs as he waits for further word from Los Blancos.
Here are the frontrunners to replace Zidane.
Zidane to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season
There was also other rather big news ahead of this match. Zinedine Zidane will leave Real Madrid at the end of the 2020/21 league season. As reported by Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the French coach told his players of his decision to leave the club in the build up to the Sevilla game, last Sunday. Real Madrid drew the match 2-2.
Zidane understands that, although he has a contract to 2022, his time at the club has come to an end, and it’s time to leave the post he took over for the second time in 2019, having left six months previously. In his press conference this Saturday, in the build up to the vital game against Athletic, the coach said: “There are times when a change is best for everyone.”
Read more about why Zidane feels his time is up at Real Madrid.
One of the big stories ahead of this game was that Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos had been placed in isolation after being in contact with a person who has tested positive for coronavirus. All tests conducted on Kroos up until this point have come back negative but he is now at home as per covid-19 protocols.
Read more about why Zidane has no Kroos control in Bilbao tonight.
Form guide: Real Madrid
Los Blancos recent results in the league have been mixed too, with three draws - namely against Sevilla, Betis and Getafe - holding them back from pushing on ahead of their two rivals.
Last time out they overcame Osasuna with ease, knocking a confidence-boosting four past them.
Form guide: Athletic
The last few games have brought a right mixed bag for the hosts.
A 1-0 loss to Huesca last time out was preceded with a draw against Osasuna and a win away to Sevilla.
Prior to that there was even a win at the Wanda, which is one of the results that has kept the title race alive so long.
San Mamés rocks...
...but we're still without fans so the real rocking will have to wait a little longer.
For anyone who gets a chance to travel in the future to Bilbao please don't hesitate. Not only is it a tremendous city, the atmosphere generated by the locals is something to behold.
LaLiga title race piping hot
As I mentioned earlier we at AS English are bringing you all three games in the race for LaLiga live simultaneously.
If you want to keep an eye on Atlético Madrid vs Osasuna then join Kieran here.
If you'd rather follow what Messi and co are up to then Paul has all your needs covered over here.
Of course, why not just use the tabs function and enjoy them all...
Starting XI: Real Madrid
Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Miguel; Casemiro, Modric, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vinicius; Benzema
Starting XI: Real Madrid
Courtois; Odriozola, Militao, Nacho, Miguel; Casemiro, Modric, Valverde; Rodrygo, Vinicius; Benzema
Starting XI: Athletic
Simón; De Marcos, Yeray, Íñigo Martínez, Balenziaga; Morcillo, Dani García, Vencedor, Berenguer; Sancet, Williams
It looks as though the team news is in. First up, the home side...
How they stand: Real Madrid
For Los Blancos, it's fairly simple. Pick up all three points and stay in the race for the title. Lose and it's potentially over before we reach the final week.
Obviously what goes on in the other games will be crucial to how this pans out and I'll keep you across developments as they happen.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 80 | 36 | 24 | 8 | 4 |
| 2 | 78 | 36 | 23 | 9 | 4 |
| 3 | 76 | 36 | 23 | 7 | 6 |
| 4 | 74 | 36 | 23 | 5 | 8 |
| 5 | 56 | 36 | 15 | 11 | 10 |
How they stand: Athletic
The Basque side don't have a whole lot to play for in their remaining two games but that is unlikely to reduce motivation. Eighth position is still attainable with two victories from two.
| T | MP | W | D | L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 55 | 36 | 14 | 13 | 9 |
| 8 | 50 | 36 | 13 | 11 | 12 |
| 9 | 46 | 36 | 11 | 13 | 12 |
| 10 | 45 | 36 | 13 | 6 | 17 |
| 11 | 44 | 36 | 11 | 11 | 14 |
Madrid's Athletic reflection
LaLiga in English have been thinking back to the time Higuain - now plying his trade in the MLS - starred for the capital side against tonight's opponents.
Who, if anyone, will step up for the reigning champions today?
Athletic vs Real Madrid: welcome
Hello and a very warm welcome to you no matter where you are joining us from in the world.
I'm Cal and I'll be taking you through all of the action from the wonderful city of Bilbao from kick-off in what could be an evening that decides the winner of LaLiga Santander 2020/21.
While my focus will be on how Zinedine Zidane's men fare in their attempt to keep up the pressure on neighbours Atlético and bitter rivals Barcelona, my colleagues Paul and Kieran will be covering each of the other games.
I'll keep you posted on the action from those games too and how that affects the standings but now let's get on with the build-up.