da lvbet： The Brazilian winger stepped into his suspended compatriot's shoes and scored two superb goals on an otherwise underwhelming night at the Bernabeu

da apostaganha： Real Madrid maintained their eight-point gap at the top of La Liga as Rodrygo ensured the suspended Vincius Jr wasn't missed by scoring two stunning goals to secure a 2-0 win for Los Blancos over fourth-placed Athletic Club.

Athletic made a bright start, but Madrid broke the deadlock with their first real attack, as Rodrygo cut inside from the left before lashing a 20-yard strike into the top corner. Madrid had the better of the chances thereafter, as Fede Valverde had a long-range effort saved while Aurelien Tchouameni headed narrowly wide.

Andriy Lunin was called into service shortly after the break as he parried Inaki Williams' fierce angled drive, while Brahim Diaz should have made it 2-0 when he hit the post. In the end, it was left to Rodrygo to secure the points, as he finished off a rapid Madrid counter-attack by again cutting inside before firing in a near-post finish.

GOAL rates Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Andriy Lunin (7/10):

Rarely called upon, but made a decent save to deny Williams early in the second half. Very composed with the ball at his feet, too.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Gave the ball away far too often. Got forward, especially in the second half, but his final ball wasn't at its usual level.

Antonio Rudiger (8/10):

Used his pace to snuff out numerous Athletic attacks and won plenty of headers inside the penalty area. Such an imposing presence for opposition attackers to take on.

Nacho (6/10):

Made a couple of key interventions inside his own box and was mostly solid.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Struggled to get into the game all that much, but defended well when called upon.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

Solid at the base of Madrid's midfield diamond, and recycled the ball well. Went close with a header from a corner shortly before half-time.

Federico Valverde (6/10):

A no-frills performance from the Uruguayan, who showed a couple of nice touches in the Madrid midfield.

Toni Kroos (8/10):

Ran the show from midfield yet again. Played a couple of outrageous passes, and kickstarted the move that led to Rodrygo's second goal.

Jude Bellingham (6/10):

Was largely crowded out by the Athletic defence and cut a frustrated figure at times. When he did eventually find space, he laid on the assist for Rodrygo's second.

Getty ImagesAttack

Brahim Diaz (6/10):

Fine cross-field pass led to the opening goal, and showed some neat touches in build-up play. Should have scored when he hit the post shortly after the break, and was replaced after 70 minutes.

Rodrygo (9/10):

Outstanding individual goal got Madrid going and showed great composure to seal the points with his second after the break. Probably should have been awarded a penalty, too, as his runs in behind left the vistors' defence reeling.

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Joselu (5/10):

Didn't offer much in his 20-minute cameo after replacing Brahim.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

On for the final 10 minutes.

Luka Modric (N/A):

Came on for Rodrygo late on.

Eduardo Camavinga (N/A):

Had a couple of nice moments after replacing Kroos.

Eder Militao (N/A):

On in stoppage-time as he made his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury on the opening day of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Moving Rodrygo out to the left in Vinicius' absence proved an inspired decision, and though his side weren't at their brilliant best, they got the job done.