For Real Madrid, no Vini means no problems

As Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to maintain an eight-point lead over Barcelona in La Liga, Rodrygo flourished in Vinicius Junior’s absence.

After Barcelona’s 1-0 victory against Las Palmas on Saturday, Madrid comfortably maintained their advantage at the top thanks to goals from Rodrygo.

After missing two consecutive league games due to a red-card ban, Jude Bellingham returned to the team, but Vinicius was suspended after receiving too many yellow cards. The crucial England player assisted Rodrygo’s second goal in Madrid’s three-game league winning streak.

At the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, eight minutes into the game, Rodrygo opened the scoring with a stunning strike into the top corner from just beyond the area.

The attacker from Brazil had scored for his country in a friendly match against Spain at the Bernabeu last week, but he had failed to score for Real Madrid for seven games running.

When it came to Rodrygo, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said, “He played very well, made the difference with some high-quality plays.”

Following the game, the Brazilian said that he does not see Kylian Mbappe’s potential arrival as a danger.

Based on what everyone has been saying, Rodrygo believes he is close to signing. “My only goal is to have a strong season finale. The coach might have a pleasant dilemma for the next season. I’m not concerned.