In a thrilling encounter at San Mamés, Athletic Bilbao edged out Real Madrid with a 2-1 victory, leaving fans buzzing about individual performances. Here’s a breakdown of the player ratings from this crucial La Liga clash:

Thibaut Courtois - 7

The Belgian goalkeeper showed his class early on with a crucial save to deny Inaki Williams a tap-in from a Nico Williams cross. Courtois’s positioning kept Madrid in the game during tense moments.

Lucas Vazquez - 4.5

Often stranded as the lone option on the right flank, Vazquez struggled under pressure. His limitations in possession hampered Madrid's attacking rhythm and ultimately contributed to their struggle to maintain possession.

Raul Asencio - 5.5

Despite a shaky start, the young defender improved as the match progressed. His speed and tackling were commendable, although he could have dealt better with the lead-up to Bilbao's first goal, allowing the ball to slip past him.

Antonio Rudiger - 8

Rudiger was Madrid's defensive anchor amidst a chaotic counter-pressing situation. His ability to read the game resulted in seven clearances in the first half, showcasing his importance in stopping Bilbao's attacks.

Fran Garcia - 4.5

Garcia was chosen over Ferland Mendy and showed fighting spirit in defense, though he was inconsistent with his passing. His unpredictable decision-making made him a liability at times.

Aurelien Tchouameni - 3

Perhaps the most criticized player of the evening, Tchouameni looked out of sync with the rest of the team. Ancelotti’s choices backfired, as Tchouameni’s high pressing was repeatedly bypassed by Athletic's clever play.

Dani Ceballos - 6.5

Ceballos continued to build on his recent form, demonstrating a willingness to take risks in tight spaces. His early substitution was unexpected given his positive impact on the play.

Fede Valverde - 3

Positioned at right midfield, Valverde struggled to find his footing. A crucial mistake late in the game—attempting a nutmeg in his own half—allowed Athletic to score the decisive goal, marking a disappointing performance.

Jude Bellingham - 7

Bellingham was a dynamic presence, tasked with multiple roles throughout the match. Not only did he score in his fourth consecutive game, but his versatility was evident as he attempted to hold the team together amidst chaos.

Rodrygo - 6

Rodrygo connected the midfield with the attack but saw limited opportunities with Madrid sitting deep. His set-piece delivery led to a penalty, showing flashes of creativity amid a largely stagnant offense.

Kylian Mbappe - 2

The French superstar was almost invisible for large stretches of the match, managing to only score an offside goal. Missing another penalty highlighted his current lack of confidence and has raised concerns among fans.

Substitutes:

Brahim Diaz - 6