Almost a week before their most important game of the season, Real Madrid locked horns with Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu and emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.
A brace from Rodrygo and assists from Brahim Díaz and Jude Bellingham helped the Merengues secure the three points and strengthen their position in the league table.
Another positive for Carlo Ancelotti was the introduction of Eder Militao who, although was not involved in the play much, came on in stoppage time and made his return after recovering from the ACL tear he suffered at the start of the season.
Here is how the Real Madrid players fared in the 2-0 victory.
Player Ratings:
Andriy Lunin: 7.5
The Ukrainian added to his clean sheets tally and made some important saves as well, the most important being Inaki William’s volley which he saved from close range.
Dani Carvajal: 7.0
The Spaniard was at his best and troubled the Bilbao defenders by making overlapping runs and finding spaces in tight areas.
Nacho: 6.5
Good defensive performance by the captain. Was largely untroubled for the most part of the game and did not make any errors whatsoever.
Antonio Rudiger: 7.5
The German yet again proved why he is amongst the best defenders in the world currently. Kept the Bilbao attackers at bay, especially the dangerous Inaki Williams.
Ferland Mendy: 7.0
Defensively solid. Did not make many attacking runs and made sure – along with Rüdiger – to keep Inaki silent.
Aurelien Tchouameni: 7.0
The Real Madrid pivot won the most duels in the game. Was close to having his name on the scoresheet as well. Reliable as always.
Federico Valverde: 7.0
Yet another start and a routine performance by the Uruguayan. Had a shot saved in the first half and as always, was the engine of the midfield.
Toni Kroos: 7.5
The orchestrator in the midfield. The German was at his best in this game. 94% accurate passes and made a few interceptions as well.
Jude Bellingham: 7.0
Returned after suspension. Perhaps not a memorable performance, but still managed to be involved on the attacking front and ended up providing an assist.
Brahim Díaz: 8.0
One of the Moroccan international’s best performances this season. Provided an assist to Rodrygo in the first half and was on the brink of scoring as his shot hit the post.
Rodrygo: 9.0
A long-awaited Rodrygo special. The Brazilian finally found his scoring boots and led the Merengues to a victory with his brace. An overall perfect performance just before the Champions League tie.
Substitutes:
Joselu: 6.0
Could not trouble the Bilbao defense much despite coming on in the 72nd minute.
Lucas Vazquez: N/A
A 10-minute cameo and had just 5 touches but not enough to warrant a rating.
Luka Modric: 6.0
A 10-minute cameo from the Croatian. Had 13 touches, and made an interception and a tackle.
Eduardo Camavinga: N/A
The Frenchman had a few eye-catching moments after coming on for Toni Kroos but not enough time to warrant a rating.
Eder Militao: N/A
Made a long-awaited return to the football pitch and was on for just a minute. Not enough time to warrant a rating.
