Real Madrid - Athletic

**Real Madrid continued their impressive La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on **March 31, 2024**. The match was crucial in cementing their hold on the top spot of the league, as **Rodrigo Goes** put in a superb performance for Los Blancos, scoring two goals.

### First Half - A Statement Start

The game started with intense intensity, and it didn't take long for Real Madrid to make their mark. In just the **8th minute**, Roderigo opened the scoring in a brilliant moment. After receiving a pass from the left flank, he confidently cut inside and curled a right-footed shot into the far corner, which Athletic goalkeeper **Unai Simeone** routed on the spot. It was a perfect example of Rodrygo's composure and composure under pressure.

From there, Real Madrid maintained control of the tempo, moved the ball skillfully and largely pinned Athletic Club down. Although the Basque side tried to create counter-attacking opportunities, Real Madrid's midfield - led by **Toni Kroos** and **Aurelian Chouameni** - proved solid in breaking down the attacking lines.

### Athletic's response

Despite falling behind early on, Athletic Club showed determination. Their forward line, including **Nico Williams** and **Gorka Gurjeta**, tried to exploit Real Madrid's high line with quick passes and movement during transitions. However, **Antonio Rüdiger** and **Eder Militao** were cautious at the back and goalkeeper **Andrei Lunin** was largely unnecessary for much of the first half.

Athletic created a few half-chances — including a low shot from **Inaki Williams** just before halftime — but lacked the finishing quality needed to threaten Madrid's lead.

### Second Half – Control and Counterattacks

Even after the break, Real Madrid dominated possession and their tactical discipline was on full display. **Carlo Ancelotti's** players were patient, gradually weakening Athletic's defence and waiting for the perfect moment to strike again.

That moment came in the **73rd minute**, during a quick counterattack. Midfield maestro **Jude Bellingham**, who had been relatively quiet in the attacking third, drove through the middle and slid a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Rodrygo. The Brazilian finished calmly, slotting the ball past Unai Simeone in the second half of the evening - securing Real Madrid's victory.

### Tactical Summary

Ancelotti's 4-3-3 system worked flawlessly throughout the match. Kroos directed play from deep, while **Federico Valverde** provided power and pressure in midfield. **Vinicius Junior**, although not on the scoresheet, constantly stretched the defence with his pace and dribbling, creating space for others to exploit.

Athletic Club, managed by **Ernesto Valverde**, tried to stay compact and hit the breaks, but they were simply unpredictable in midfield and lacked the sharpness in front of goal to come back.

### Stats and standings

Real Madrid finished the match with **58.6% possession** and **7 shots on target**, the same as Athletic, but with much better conversions. The result means Real Madrid have **75 points** from 30 matches, extending their lead over **second-placed Barcelona** to 8 points**. Athletic Club are fourth in the table with **56 points**, just one point ahead of **Atlético Madrid**, who have a game in hand.

### Milestones and momentum

The win marked Real Madrid's **18th consecutive match unbeaten** against Athletic Club, highlighting their dominance in recent matches. It also highlights Rodrygo's growing importance in Ancelotti's team, especially in the absence of other big-name forwards or on quiet nights.

### Looking ahead

For Real Madrid, this win was crucial not only for the title race, but also to maintain momentum towards the end of the season, which includes the promise of the Champions League. Athletic Club, while disappointed, are in the running for a top-four finish and potential Champions League qualification - a goal that still seems achievable if they regain consistency.

All in all, it was a professional and composed performance from Real Madrid, who are looking to be one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in La Liga.