Rodrygo nets double as Real Madrid overcome Athletic Club

Rodrygo netted a superb double as Real Madrid outclassed Athletic Bilbao to restore their eight-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Barca had closed the gap to five points with a 1-0 win over Las Palmas on Saturday, but there was never any danger of Carlo Ancelotti’s side spilling any points a day later against opponents who had not won at the Bernabeu in 19 years.

With England playmaker Jude Bellingham back from a two-match suspension, Madrid moved ahead with their first attack of the night as Rodrygo smashed a venomous drive into the visiting net from just outside the box on eight minutes.

And the Brazilian forward gave the scoreline a more realistic look when he accepted a Bellingham pass to finish off a wonderful sweeping move on 73 minutes.

Madrid move on to 75 points from 30 matches with Barca seemingly playing for second place this season on a distant 67.

Athletic remain fourth in the table with 56 points from their 30 outings, but must regroup ahead of the Copa del Rey final with Real Mallorca on Saturday night.

With the Spanish title almost a done deal for Real Madrid, thoughts will be turning to their trip to Manchester City for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals next Tuesday live on TNT Sports.

They were smashed 4-0 by the defending champions City in the semi-finals at the Etihad last season, but something suggests this tie could be a much closer one to call a year on with Carlo Ancelotti’s side dreaming of a record-extending 15th European Cup triumph.

They certainly have the players for such a lofty task.

No Vini Jr for Real Madrid, no problem. With his Brazilian team-mate suspended, Rodrygo revelled in the responsibility with two brilliant finishes in a comfortable victory for Los Blancos.

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, I Williams 6, Guruzeta 6, Berenguer 6 Subs: Vivian 6, Berchiche 6, Muniain 6, Ruiz de Galarreta 6, Malcom Adu Ares 6

8′ GOAL! (RODRYGO) REAL MADRID 1-0 ATHLETIC BILBAO Rodrygo with a stunning finish as he picked up the loose ball before bounding towards the edge of the area. Unleashed an unstoppable shot. First attack and a first goal. Brilliant finish. Real Madrid lead 1-0.

38′ DECENT MOVE BY REAL MADRID Federico Valverde latches onto the deep delivery from Kross via a corner. Lobs the volley at goal. Which Agirrezabala does well to get down low to his right in make the stop. Had to look lively to deal with that.

50′ SO CLOSE TO ANOTHER PIECE OF MADRID MAGIC Brahim Díaz smashes a low shot across the keeper. So unfortunate to see it come back off the post. Lovely play by Rodrygo to play provider.

52′ ATHLETIC CHASE AN EQUALISER Bellingham back in the home side’s box to knock the ball behind for a corner with Vivian trying to join the attack. Iñaki Williams then with a volley at far post. Gets away the effort, but Lunin does well to make the block. A warning for the home side.

73′ GOAL! (RODRYGO) REAL MADRID 2-0 ATHLETIC Lovely sweeping move by the home side and surely that is game, set and match. Bellingham with the pass to Rodrygo, and he twists and turns before planting the finish into the net. A 2-0 lead with his second of the evening.