Mbappé’s Redemption: A Year After San Mamés, Real Madrid Roars Again
A year after experiencing one of the most humbling moments of his career, Kylian Mbappé returned to San Mamés, the hallowed stadium where his confidence had faltered, and delivered a performance that reasserted his brilliance. In 2024, a missed penalty at the Cathedral left the French forward reflecting deeply on his game, an experience he later described as transformative. Now, in 2025, Mbappé’s visit was marked not by misfortune, but by dominance, as he scored twice and set up another goal, helping Real Madrid secure a convincing 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. His performance demonstrated both personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose for a club that had experienced inconsistency over the past months.
The contrast between last year’s disappointment and this year’s triumph could not have been starker. At the same venue where he once faltered, Mbappé orchestrated attacks with precision, timing his runs and movements to perfection. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso’s management, appeared reinvigorated, with a fluidity that had been missing in previous fixtures. The team’s tactical approach had evolved, balancing Alonso’s preferred strategies with the strengths of key players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. The French forward’s performance symbolized more than individual brilliance; it was a representation of Real Madrid’s potential when their collective talent aligned seamlessly on the pitch.
Earlier in the season, Madrid had struggled to find form, suffering frustrating draws and inconsistent performances against mid-table opponents like Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona. The team’s high press lacked cohesion, and their midfield failed to dominate games, leaving Alonso under scrutiny. Compounding the pressure, Barcelona had regained momentum with key victories, reducing Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga. Yet the Bilbao fixture offered an opportunity for course correction. By arriving in Bilbao a day early and approaching the game with seriousness and discipline, Madrid demonstrated their intention to reverse the downward trend. The match also highlighted Alonso’s adaptability, as he tweaked formations to maximize the impact of his most influential players.
The tactical adjustments were evident from the start. Alonso opted for a formation that blended elements of a 4-4-2 with his previous wing-back system, allowing Aurélien Tchouameni to provide defensive coverage while freeing full-backs to support the attack. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s precise diagonals became pivotal in creating opportunities, particularly in the build-up to Mbappé’s opening goals. The synergy between the players was clear: Alexander-Arnold’s vision, Mbappé’s acceleration, and Camavinga’s movement culminated in a display that left Athletic Bilbao overwhelmed. Even the usually resilient Athletic side struggled to respond, highlighting Madrid’s dominance and the effectiveness of Alonso’s tactical recalibration.
Mbappé’s individual brilliance cannot be overstated. His first goal demonstrated impeccable technique and spatial awareness, controlling a long pass from Alexander-Arnold before driving forward and scoring from outside the box. His second goal showcased his signature agility and precision, bending the ball past Unai Simón with a subtle yet lethal finish. Between these efforts, he contributed a key assist, further cementing his status as the linchpin of Real Madrid’s attack. Beyond the statistics, his performance reflected maturity, confidence, and the psychological resilience that had developed since his low point a year prior.
This resurgence of form has not only reinforced Mbappé’s standing among football’s elite but has also rejuvenated Real Madrid as a collective. With 25 goals and four assists already in the ongoing campaign and 55 goals across the calendar year, he has become the driving force behind the team’s offensive output. Reports and media coverage have hailed him as comparable to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, with Marca praising him as a transformative presence capable of reshaping matches single-handedly. Equally significant was the visible reconciliation between players and coach; moments like Vinícius Júnior embracing Alonso demonstrated renewed harmony and shared purpose.
Ultimately, the victory at San Mamés serves as a turning point for Real Madrid. It signals a potential shift in momentum, an alignment of talent, strategy, and determination. While challenges remain—particularly with upcoming fixtures against elite teams such as Manchester City—the team’s performance in Bilbao offers hope. Mbappé’s journey from missed penalties to decisive contributions embodies the narrative of redemption and growth, illustrating how adversity can forge greatness. As Real Madrid moves forward, the combination of individual brilliance and collective cohesion may yet redefine their season, setting the stage for both domestic and European success.