Real Madrid got their 2023/24 season off on the right foot as Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a 2-0 victory away from home on Saturday against Athletic Club.
It was a professional performance from Los Blancos, as goals from Rodrygo and debutant Jude Bellingham were enough to see off Athletic’s timid advances.
The one negative was seeing Eder Militao forced to leave the game after falling awkwardly early in the second half, with the club and fans anxiously waiting word on what the status of his knee is.
Neither side were able to carve out much of anything early on, with both teams seemingly trying to find their feet in what was their first league match of the campaign.
However after a shaky start Madrid began to grow into the game, and eventually took the lead in the 28th minute through Rodrygo. The Brazilian combined well with Dani Carvajal down the right flank.
It looked as though Rodrygo was going to lose his footing, but he managed to keep his balance and fire home post a helpless Unai Simon.
With Athletic Club offering very little going forward, Madrid doubled the lead with under 10 minutes left in the first frame.
A Real Madrid corner found its way to Bellingham in the penalty area, and although the English midfielder didn’t get all of it, his effort took just enough of a bounce to go over the outstretched Simon and into the back of the net.
Given Madrid had close to 60 percent of the possession and outshot Athletic Club 10 to 1 after the first 45 minutes, there were little doubts as to who the better side was.
Madrid controlled the second half
Unfortunately for Madrid, they were dealt some bad news in the 50th minute as Eder Militao was forced off with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
The Brazilian fell awkwardly while trying to make a challenge, and he looked in distress while receiving medical attention. He eventually walked off the field with help, with Antonio Rudiger coming on to replace him.
From there Madrid tried to close out the match, with both Vinicius and Valverde unable to send their efforts past Simon.
Athletic Club finally began to show signs of life late on, and were nearly aided by Real Madrid when the away side carelessly gave away the ball outside the penalty area. The ball eventually fell to Berenguer, but his effort from a good position was deflected at the last moment by a sprawling Aurelien Tchouameni.
From there Real Madrid saw out the final minutes to take home all three points.
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