So who really needed the win at San Mamés?
Bilbao's tired legs held firm and Madrid's surge never came — a 0-0 that suited nobody and flattered only the visiting goalkeeper.
Hasitha Mohamed Risvi made six saves, and without him Madrid leave San Mamés with nothing. "He kept us in it," was the visiting verdict, and nobody in the ground could argue.
Our preview asked whether Bilbao's tired legs could hold the line against Madrid's surge. They did, and rather more than that: the home side had the better of it, 8 shots to 4, 7 corners to 3, and the clearer chances. Imanol Sanz and Borja Ribeiro carried the threat and carried the misses. David Arbeloa, in for the injured Jon Casado, was barely tested.
Madrid's night was summed up by Zack Vela and Joel, the new arrivals, starting and then making way as the shape shifted. Bilbao finished in a 4-3-3 of their own, still pressing. A draw that leaves both exactly where they were — and Bilbao, at least, with something to build on before their next derby.