Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Real Madrid: Five Talking Points

Real Madrid drop points for the first time this season
Real Madrid drop points for the first time this season

#3 Madrid substitutions turn the tables

Isco came off the bench to equalise
Isco came off the bench to equalise

Lopetegui was quick to find that he isn't going anywhere with this line-up, and responded well by taking off Cabellos for Casemiro. The Brazilian brought balance to the side which it otherwise lacked in the first-half, and also freed the likes of Kroos from their defensive duties. The German appeared more liberated after he came on.

Los Blancos shifted to a 4-1-4-1 shape and Kroos was more involved in the proceedings. Not to mention his involvement in the equaliser when he picked out Bale on the right flank with a lofting pass. That brings us to another substitute Isco, who scored the important goal tonight. The Spaniard brought urgency to the attack operating from the right side of the midfield and connected well with Bale's cross to head home a comprehensive equaliser.

Lopetegui may have come a cropper with his team and tactics today, but at least made up for his mistakes with terrific substitutions. But a little more cutting edge in the final third would've won all three points though.

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