The two goals by the Brazilian player secured a full three points for Real Madrid against Athletic Club, as Militao returned after 232 days. After the international break, Real Madrid returned to La Liga action by getting the job done against Athletic Club in their quest for the league title, securing three more points.
In Short
Militão’s Return
Rodrigo in Santiago Bernabeu was the star of the show, scoring both goals for the league leaders. Along with the victory, another big news for Real Madrid was the return of Militão after 232 days due to injury.
🗣️ ¡El mensaje de @edermilitao tras su vuelta!
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 31, 2024
👉 #Madridistas#Y3 | #adidas | #YohjiYamamoto pic.twitter.com/6Ex2O23gwd
The team started firing on all cylinders right from the beginning and went ahead just eight minutes into the game. Rodrigo seized control at midfield, carried the ball to the edge of the box, and then made an unstoppable attempt with his right foot in front of Unai Simon. From then on, Athletic Club tried to control the ball, but Real Madrid kept creating chances.
Attempts by Real Madrid
Kroos attempted a shot from outside the box in the 34th minute, but it was saved by the keeper. Five minutes later, Valverde picked up a rebound from outside the box and made a powerful attempt with his right foot, which the keeper attempted to stop but failed. Choamoeni had already doubled the score to nearly 2-0 by striking the ball into the net from a corner kick right in front of the Bilbao post.
More Madrid Chances
The pace and intensity of the match picked up in the second half. Rodrigo played Brahim in the 49th minute, who sent a shot towards goal but was denied by the post. Athletic Club responded with a close attempt from Williams, but Lunin made an excellent reflex save. It was an end-to-end affair, and after some excellent link-up play between Carvajal, Valverde, and Brahim, Madrid looked even more promising, but Brahim’s shot fell short.
Rodrigo’s Strike(watch)
Classic Real Madrid counter-attacking football pic.twitter.com/UOeyFpfmh6
— Dr Yash (@YashRMFC) March 31, 2024
Rodrigo found himself in a controversial situation when he collected a rebound from Vesga, ran into the box, and was brought down by Lekue. Rojas exploded for a non-existent offside, realizing that the previous pass came not from Belinghim but from an Athletic player. Both Madrid players were crucial in scoring the second goal to make it 2-0. Belinghim played Rodrigo through, who defeated Vivian with a beautiful backheel and then sent the ball to Agirrezabala. To limit the leaders’ victory, Militao made his return after more than seven months, as Santiago Bernabeu applauded him for a very special night.
Player’s Rating
Goalkeeper and Defense
Andriy Lunin (7/10):
Perhaps rarely called upon, but made a good save early in the second half to deny Williams. He remains calm even when the ball is at his feet.
Dani Carvajal (5/10):
Got rid of the ball too many times. Improved as the game went on, especially in the second half, but his final delivery wasn’t up to his usual standards.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
Used his pace well to thwart several Athletic attacks and won numerous headers inside the penalty area. A commanding presence to deal with opposition forwards.
Nacho (6/10):
Made some important interventions inside his own box and was mostly solid.
Ferland Mendy (6/10):
Had to battle hard to get into the game but did well when called upon.
Midfield
Oreliean Touchmeini (7/10):
Solid presence in Madrid’s midfield and recycled the ball well. Came close with a header from a corner just before halftime.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
The Uruguayan midfielder put in a solid performance without any flashy moments. Showed some good touches in Madrid’s midfield.
Toni Kroos (8/10):
Once again dictated play from the midfield. Played some brilliant passes and initiated the move that led to Rodrigo’s second goal.
Jude Belinghim (6/10):
Was heavily marked by Athletic defense and had several frustrated moments. When finally given space, he worked well to assist Rodrigo’s second goal.
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Attack
Brahim Diaz (6/10):
A good cross-field pass set up the opening goal and showed some good touches in the build-up play. Should have scored when he hit the post just after the break and was substituted in the 70th minute.
Rodrigo (9/10):
A fantastic individual goal put Madrid ahead and showed great composure to score his second after the break. Perhaps should have been awarded a penalty as his run behind caused the Athletic defense to stumble.
Photos and videos source : X
