High-risk duel for Real Madrid. In addition to hosting the fourth-placed team in LaLiga, Carlo Ancelotti’s men had already seen Barcelona and Girona – third and second-placed – win in this round. Thanks to the inspiration of Rodrygo, who scored twice (2-0) in Vini Jr.’s absence due to suspension, the mission was accomplished with distinction.
It was really with the Brazilian’s inspiration that the duel began. The first ten minutes had not yet been completed when Rodrygo received the ball on the right, pulled it inside and, from a long distance, scored the first goal – and what a goal (!) – of the game.
During the first half, the visitors managed to create danger and surround the opponent’s area, with emphasis on wingers Álex Berenguer and Iñaki Williams. However, the second half was better controlled by the home side.
Not only did Real manage to have more of the ball, they also kept Athletic out of their own area. Furthermore and more importantly, he reached the second. Inside the area, in a slightly shorter movement, but similar to the first goal – from outside and pulling in – Rodrygo scored twice and closed the scoring. Finally, a note for Militão: he returned to the pitch seven months later, after a serious injury.
In this way, the Los Blancos They are firmly in the lead, eight points clear with eight games to go. On the other hand, Athletic could be overtaken by Atlético de Madrid in this round and fall to fifth place.
