Real Madrid secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Federico Valverde scoring the decisive goal in the second half. Analyzing the match statistics reveals Real Madrid's dominance in offensive play, evidenced by their 7 shots on target compared to Bilbao’s solitary attempt. Despite this dominance, Madrid’s conversion rate was suboptimal, as they missed numerous opportunities with 15 shots off target.

The midfield battle was decisively tilted in favour of Real Madrid, with their ability to maintain pressure reflected in the 14 corner kicks they earned. Athletic Bilbao struggled to create chances as indicated by their single corner. This disparity in corner kicks highlights a significant difference in the teams' ability to press forward and sustain attacking momentum.

Discipline played a crucial role in Athletic Bilbao's inability to maintain composure. They accumulated 15 fouls and received two yellow cards, both of which disrupted their rhythm and allowed Real Madrid to maintain control. Meanwhile, Madrid's disciplined approach with only 7 fouls and one yellow card helped them sustain their game plan without significant interruptions.

The standout factor influencing the match was Real Madrid's superior teamwork and quick recovery in transitions which effectively neutralized Bilbao's offensive threats. Despite a solid defensive game, evidenced by committing only one offside, Athletic Bilbao failed to capitalize on their defensive strategies to launch counterattacks, emphasizing the effectiveness of Real Madrid's midfield control and defensive organization.

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