Author: Amrit Santlani
Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid’s big summer signing, made quite an impression on his La Liga debut as the Englishman scored early in the first half to help Carlo Ancelotti’s side beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0.
Real Madrid began their campaign with a convincing win, with Rodrygo opening the scoring just before the half-hour mark as the Brazilian forward continued to impress in his new role as striker. Shortly afterwards, Bellingham scored to put the visitors in the lead at San Mames on Sunday.
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The only blot on the game was the fact that Brazilian defender Éder Militão was injured and taken off in tears in the 50th minute with what appeared to be a serious injury. With Thibaut Courtois already injured, Ancelotti’s side have already lost two important players at the start of the season.
Valverde had an early chance when Real Madrid made their intentions clear, but the Uruguayan couldn’t keep his shot on target. Rodrygo tested Unai Simon when the Brazilian winger shot at goal from a narrow angle, but the Spaniard made a smart save.
The tie was broken by a brilliant exchange of passes between Rodrygo and Dani Carvjal. Simon was blamed for hitting his post, but credit to the Brazilian striker, who hit a powerful shot.
Vinicius gave the opposition’s defense a taste of his impetuous pace when he dribbled past two defenders and shot at goal, but Simon saved and kept the score at 1-0. Ancelotti’s men didn’t have to wait long to make it 2-0 when Bellingham curled a clever shot into the back of the net following a Madrid corner.
Rodrygo and Valverde had half-chances after the break, but neither managed to score a third goal before Oihan Sancet’s powerful volley was deflected in by David Alaba, who also impressed. Aurelien Tchouameni made an impressive block to deny Bilbao a consolation goal midway through the second half and the game ended 2-0.
Vinicius and Rodrygo played 80 minutes and were replaced by Luka Modric and Joselu.