Real Madrids Mbappé Aims to Break Draw Streak Against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid CF faces Athletic Bilbao tonight in a crucial La Liga clash at the San Mames Stadium. The Spanish giants are looking to break a frustrating pattern of draws that has seen them slip behind Barcelona in the title race. Kylian Mbappé leads the team’s bid to claim three vital points.

🔥 Quick Facts

• Matchday 19 of La Liga 2025-26 featuring the two teams on December 3, 2025
• Real Madrid sits in second place after dropping points in three consecutive draws
• Mbappé has scored 18 goals in 16 La Liga games this season, accounting for 53% of Madrid’s goals
• Athletic Bilbao comes in as Champions League hopefuls with strong home form at San Mames

Madrid Battle Draw Streak in Title Race Showdown

Real Madrid arrives with mounting pressure after consecutive 1-1 draws against Getafe and most recently Girona on December 1. These dropped points have allowed Barcelona to establish a one-point lead at the top of the standings. Athletic Bilbao returned to form with a decisive 2-0 victory over Levante on November 29, providing the Basque side confidence heading into this pivotal fixture.

The stakes feel enormous for Xabi Alonso’s squad, which cannot afford more slip-ups as the season enters its critical phase. Barcelona continues to set the pace, making a win at San Mames a necessity rather than an option for Madrid’s title aspirations.

Mbappé’s Exceptional Form Meets Athletic’s Defensive Test

Kylian Mbappé remains the primary weapon in Madrid’s arsenal, having reached 18 goals across 16 league matches. His 8-game scoring streak earlier in the season showcased his elite finishing, though recent results indicate the team’s defensive vulnerabilities are equally significant. Mbappé scored Madrid’s only goal in their last match against Girona, demonstrating his consistency even amidst team struggles.

Athletic Bilbao’s organized defense presents a different challenge than previous opponents. The San Mames Stadium has proven a fortress for the hosts, who maintain 4 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses at home this season. Madrid will need to control possession and convert limited chances if the draw curse is to break tonight.

Category	Real Madrid	Athletic Bilbao
La Liga Position	2nd Place (14 points)	8th Place
Recent Form	3 consecutive draws	2-0 win last time out
Key Player	Mbappé (18 goals)	Strong collective defense
Head-to-Head Record	40 wins historically	11 wins historically

Barcelona Lurking as Madrid Looks for Statement Win

The title race dynamics have shifted dramatically since the season’s opening matches. Barcelona’s consistency has rewarded them with first place, while Real Madrid’s defensive lapses have proven costly. A victory tonight would reset the psychological momentum and keep Madrid’s title hopes alive entering the campaign’s final stretch.

Athletic Bilbao has historically proved difficult opposition, with 188 total league meetings showing a competitive rivalry. While Madrid dominates the historical record with 99 wins to Bilbao’s 52, modern football often rewards consistent preparation and defensive organization—both strengths of the Basque club.

San Mames Stadium Presents Challenge to Madrid’s Momentum

Playing away from the Santiago Bernabéu always adds complexity to Madrid’s approach. The San Mames Stadium atmosphere has provided Athletic Bilbao a genuine advantage this season. Madrid’s recent struggles have partly stemmed from set-piece vulnerabilities and concentration lapses in crucial moments.

Raúl Asencio has recovered from illness and should be available for Madrid’s defensive line, providing stability at the heart of the formation. The team will look to control possession early and prevent the emotional surge that home fans often generate at San Mames.

Will Mbappé Finally End Madrid’s Draw Curse Against Athletic Tonight?

The central narrative entering this match revolves around whether Real Madrid can reclaim winning form or face continued stagnation in the title race. If Barcelona continues winning, every dropped point becomes exponentially more damaging. Mbappé’s consistency offers genuine hope, yet team performance beyond individual brilliance will ultimately determine the outcome.

Athletic Bilbao will feel they have a genuine opportunity to claim points against a vulnerable opponent. Their recent 2-0 victory signals returning confidence, and home advantage could prove decisive. Can Madrid’s star power overcome a stubborn defensive setup, or will the draw curse extend to four consecutive matches?

Sources

• ESPN, Sky Sports, Al Jazeera – Match preview and team news
• Official La Liga – Standings and official statistics
• Real Madrid Official Website – Team lineup information and Mbappé performance data

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.