Player Ratings: Athletic Club 0 – 3 Real Madrid

FC Barcelona has reopened the Spotify Camp Nou, welcoming up to 62,000 fans for the upcoming match against Osasuna, following the acquisition of the first occupancy license for the stadium's redevelopment phases 1A and 1B. This marks a significant milestone after a 909-day absence due to renovations, with the first match held against Athletic Club on November 22, 2025.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has addressed concerns regarding the recent form of players Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes, urging patience and emphasizing that questions about their performance would not have arisen had they maintained their earlier success. Alonso's comments come amid scrutiny of the team's overall performance.

Real Madrid's title aspirations faced a setback as they drew 1-1 with Girona, a match marked by a controversial decision that led to an angry outburst from a forward at the referee. This incident highlights the ongoing frustrations within the team regarding officiating standards in La Liga.

Real Madrid has announced that left-back Ferland Mendy is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, specifically a muscle injury in the biceps femoris of his right leg, as confirmed by the club's medical report. His recovery will be closely monitored by the medical staff.

Xabi Alonso addressed rumors regarding his future as Real Madrid's coach, stating unequivocally that he is focused on the team's upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao. This statement comes after a recent 1-1 draw with Girona, which has raised questions about the team's performance under his leadership.

Real Madrid's recent performance has been disappointing, with only one win in their last five matches since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu after a victory against Valencia. This decline has raised concerns among the club's board regarding the team's attacking form under coach Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid is not prioritizing a Premier League captain as a target for their center-back position in the summer of 2026, following the anticipated departures of David Alaba and the uncertain future of Antonio Rudiger. The club is expected to explore the transfer market for suitable replacements to strengthen their defense.