Real Madrid commences its campaign with an authoritative flourish at San Mamés
BILBAO (EFE) -- The freshly minted incarnation of Real Madrid, marked by the utilization of a rhomboidal midfield configuration and the conspicuous absence of key players that had graced their lineup in preceding years, embarked on a journey this Saturday that resonated with dominance. The canvas was San Mamés, a hallowed ground where the white-clad contingent historically finds itself in its element. On this occasion, the visiting equipo showcased their supremacy in splendid fashion, notching up a 0-2 triumph, their ascendancy immortalized by the goal-scoring exploits of Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham in the opening stanza.
The curtain-raiser was orchestrated by Rodrygo, who delivered a thunderous shot that reverberated against the defensive bulwark of Bilbao, the aftermath leaving the local rearguard in shambles. Not long thereafter, the stage witnessed another moment of equipoise. Bellingham's endeavor materialized in the form of a strike, a shot that embarked on an unconventional trajectory, confounding Unai Simón in the process.
The final verdict of 0-2, however, casts a dim light upon Athletic's performance, a team that languished in the grip of a feeble first half, only managing to assert themselves modestly following the halftime interval with the introduction of Oihan Sancet. Yet, their resurgence lacked an edge, a dearth of imminent danger. In contrast, Real Madrid, even in the absence of flamboyant football, exhibited manifest superiority, securing a well-earned victory that secured their initial three points of the campaign.
A sprightly initiation by Athletic was palpable, a spirited foray towards Lunin's territory. Alas, it amounted to naught but an optical illusion, for Real Madrid, expediently assumed the reins, albeit without inflicting significant peril.
Valverde's audacious long-range attempt, Rodrygo's calculated cross, and the audacious heeled free-kick, where Alaba sought to catch Simón off guard, all paved the way for the unfolding drama in the latter phase of the opening half.
A subsequent quarter of play was indelibly etched by Rodrygo's opportunistic strike, the culmination of a sequence that exposed Lekue, Vesga, and Simón to their vulnerabilities. Rodrygo and Carvajal infiltrated the penalty area, exploiting the leniency afforded by the home side's defense, leading to Simón's helplessness as the Brazilian's shot found its path between foot and arm.
The tenor of the contest experienced a modicum of flux, favoring Carlo Ancelotti's charges, who maintained their poise without expending undue effort until the ball graced the feet of Valverde and the forward contingent. This, however, occasioned a setback for Ernesto Valverde's cohort, as they began conceding territory typically held in their dominion.
In the ensuing moments, Alaba's header at close quarters bore witness to a valiant intervention between the international custodian and the goalpost. Following this, an incisive effort from within the box elicited a prompt and resolute response from Simón.
The contest, in its lopsided trajectory favoring the whites, even courted fortune. It bestowed favor upon Bellingham, who found the back of the net with a deftly executed strike that confounded Alava's netminder. Athletic's defense, however, contributed to their own undoing, facilitating Bellingham's finish from the corner conjured by Alaba.
The moment marked Athletic's feeble endeavor at a resurgence, underscored by an appeal for a penalty when Unai Gómez tumbled in the presence of Militao in the penalty area. The rojiblanco 'cub' had already tested Lunin, whose performance was arguably lacking, yet the Brazilian center-back appeared to execute a sweeping motion in the aftermath.
Such was the state of disarray that Valverde perceived within his ranks, necessitating a triad of substitutions at halftime. The trio of midfielders made way, paving the path for the emergence of Unai Gómez, the surprise starter, alongside captain Muniain, who had earned a reprimand as early as the fourth minute, and Nico Williams, the current luminary of the squad.
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