Rodrygo scored a fantastic brace as Real Madrid cruised to a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, maintaining their eight-point lead over Barcelona at the top of the table. The win was never in doubt, as Madrid controlled the game from start to finish, with Rodrygo opening the scoring with a fierce strike from outside the box in the 8th minute. He then sealed the victory with a second goal on 73 minutes, capping off a superb team move orchestrated by England playmaker Jude Bellingham. Madrid now sit on 75 points, while Barca lag behind on 67 points, seemingly playing for second place this season. Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, remain in fourth place with 56 points and will need to regroup ahead of the Copa del Rey final against Real Mallorca.
As Madrid look ahead to their crucial Champions League quarter-final clash against Manchester City, the focus will be on avenging last season’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the defending champions. This time around, however, Carlo Ancelotti’s side seems more prepared and is aiming for a record-extending 15th European Cup triumph. With talented players like Rodrygo stepping up in the absence of suspended teammates, Madrid will be looking to put up a strong fight against City in what promises to be a closely contested tie.
Rodrygo was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring two brilliant goals to lead Madrid to victory. With his Brazilian teammate Vinicius Junior suspended, Rodrygo rose to the occasion and showcased his skill and finishing ability. The rest of the team also delivered solid performances, with players like Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde standing out in midfield. Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, struggled to make an impact against Madrid’s strong defense and were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Lunin.
Throughout the match, there were several key moments that highlighted Madrid’s dominance, including Rodrygo’s first goal in the 8th minute and a near-miss by Brahim Diaz that hit the post in the 50th minute. Athletic Bilbao did manage to create some chances, with Iñaki Williams testing Lunin with a volley, but they ultimately could not break through Madrid’s defense. Rodrygo’s second goal in the 73rd minute sealed the win for Madrid, showcasing their attacking prowess and ability to finish off well-crafted team moves.
Madrid’s overall performance was impressive, with solid contributions from both established stars like Kroos and up-and-coming talents like Bellingham and Rodrygo. The team’s ability to control the game from start to finish and create scoring opportunities bodes well for their upcoming challenges in La Liga and the Champions League. As they maintain their lead at the top of the table, Madrid will be looking to build on this victory and continue their pursuit of domestic and European glory under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance. With key players hitting top form at the right time, Madrid are primed for success in the final stages of the season.