Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Club: Rodrygo Shines with a Brace – La Liga Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Club: Rodrygo Shines with a Brace – La Liga
Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Club: Rodrygo Shines with a Brace – La Liga

April 1, 2024

Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Club: Rodrygo Shines with a Brace – La Liga

Rodrygo was the standout performer for Real Madrid in their La Liga match against Athletic Club on Sunday evening. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad executed their game plan effectively at the Bernabéu, securing a comfortable win. Rodrygo scored in both the 8th and 73rd minutes, solidifying their position at the top of the league standings.

Rodrygo’s impressive double helped Real Madrid outclass Athletic Bilbao and restore their eight-point lead over Barcelona. After Barcelona had narrowed the gap to five points with a 1-0 victory over Las Palmas on Saturday, there was no threat of Madrid dropping points against an opponent that hadn’t won at the Bernabéu in 19 years.

With Jude Bellingham returning from a two-match suspension, Madrid struck early in the match. Rodrygo opened the scoring with a powerful shot within the box in the eighth minute. He then added a second goal in the 73rd minute, finishing a beautifully constructed team move after receiving a pass from Bellingham.

With this victory, Madrid now has 75 points after 30 matches, while Barcelona trails with 67, seemingly fighting for second place this season. Athletic remains fourth in the standings with 56 points from 30 games and will need to regroup as they prepare for the Copa del Rey final against Real Mallorca on Saturday night.

Talking Point: Madrid Prepares for Crucial Clash with Manchester City

With the Spanish title nearly secured for Real Madrid, attention now shifts to their upcoming trip to Manchester City for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals next Tuesday, live on TNT Sports. 

Last season, they faced a tough defeat against the reigning champions, losing 4-0 in the semi-finals at the Etihad. However, this year’s matchup promises to be much more competitive. Carlo Ancelotti’s side aims for a record-extending 15th European Cup victory. 

They certainly have the talent to rise to this ambitious challenge.

Player of the Match: Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

With Vinicius Jr. suspended, Rodrygo stepped up to the plate, showcasing his skill and composure by netting two exceptional goals in a comfortable win for Los Blancos. His performance demonstrated that the team can rely on multiple players to take charge when needed.

Player Ratings

Real Madrid: Lunin 7, Carvajal 7, Rudiger 7, Nacho 7, Mendy 7, Valverde 7, Tchouameni 7, Kroos 8, Rodrygo 8, Bellingham 7, Diaz 8

Subs: Militão 6, Camavinga 6, Modric 6, Joselu 6, Vázquez 6

Athletic Bilbao: Agirrezabala 7, De Marcos 6, Paredes 6, Yeray 6, Lekue 6, Prados 6, Sancet 6, Vesga 6, Iñaki Williams 6, Guruzeta 6, Berenguer 6

Subs: Vivian 6, Berchiche 6, Muniain 6, Ruiz de Galarreta 6, Malcom Adu Ares 6

Match Highlights

8′ GOAL! (RODRYGO)

Real Madrid 1-0 Athletic Bilbao

Rodrygo opened the scoring with a stunning finish, picking up a loose ball and driving to the area’s edge before firing an irresistible shot. A brilliant way to start the match!

38′ CHANCE FOR REAL MADRID

Federico Valverde connected with a deep delivery from Kroos following a corner, lobbing a volley toward goal. Agirrezabala made a fantastic save, diving low to his right to keep the score level.

50′ SO CLOSE TO ANOTHER GOAL

Brahim Díaz fired a low shot across the keeper, but it ricocheted off the post. Rodrygo played a crucial role in creating that opportunity with his clever play.

52′ ATHLETIC PRESS FOR AN EQUALIZER

Bellingham defended well, knocking the ball behind for a corner as Vivian pressed forward. Iñaki Williams then had a volley at the far post, but Lunin made a crucial block to deny the attempt.

73′ GOAL! (RODRYGO)

Real Madrid 2-0 Athletic Bilbao

A beautifully orchestrated team move saw Bellingham set up Rodrygo, who twisted and turned before planting the ball into the net for his second-night goal, putting Madrid in a commanding position.

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Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Latest Football News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.