Málaga (Spain) (AFP)

Stop: after a series of nine games without defeat since December 1, Real Madrid of Zinédine Zidane was eliminated in the semifinals of the Spanish Supercup Thursday in Malaga by Athletic Bilbao (2-1) , who joins FC Barcelona in the final on Sunday.

Visibly washed out, the Marseille technician's men were unable to lift their heads after the double from Basque striker Raul Garcia (34), first from the right (18th) then on a penalty conceded by Lucas Vazquez for a belt in its surface (38th) ... despite the goal of Karim Benzema (75th).

Double failure for the "White House", defending champion: not only do the Madrilenians deprive themselves of any possibility of winning a 12th coronation in the competition, but they miss out on a clasico in the final against the eternal rival, Barça, which would have been one of the most attractive posters of the start of 2021.

After the triumph of the 2020 Supercup, which the "Merengues" had won in Saudi Arabia by beating Atlético Madrid in the final (0-0, 4-1 on penalties), this premature elimination is the second in a row for Zidane since the title of champion of Spain won in June, after elimination in the knockout stages of the Champions League against Manchester City last August (1-2, 2-1).

- "Everything is called into question" -

The causes of this failure?

An Eden Hazard aligned from the outset but lacking rhythm since his return from injury, a Luka Modric well below his usual level of play, a defense at bay ... and a team like at half-speed, quickly out of breath and insecure.

"I see no reason to make changes", assured Modric Wednesday, questioned in a press conference on the tactical choices of "Zizou", who decided to be based on the same framework of players since the beginning of winter ... even if it means leading to matches like that of Thursday, where his players seemed very borrowed.

Zidane wanted to "step up" with this "springboard" to tackle the second half of the season ... it's failed.

And it is rather the second part of his pre-match prophecy that came true on Thursday: "When you play a little average game, everything is called into question. That's the problem, and it won't change ".

And Real could have lost Raphaël Varane, victim of a blow in the first period and replaced at the break.

For the Basques of the new coach Marcelino, who arrived on January 3 and for which it was only the second meeting at the head of Athletic, it is on the contrary a superb operation ... which could even have been more successful still, if this head of Iker Muniain (53rd), in particular, had found the framework.

Already qualified for the final of the Copa del Rey 2020 which will be played on April 4, the Basques, current 12th in Liga, will be able to compete for a second national title on Sunday (9 p.m.) in Seville against FC Barcelona, ​​winner of Real Sociedad Wednesday on penalties (1-1, 3-2).

© 2021 AFP