In the absence of Vinicius Junior, another Brazilian star, Rodrigo, shone brightly. He scored two fantastic goals, leading Real Madrid to victory over Athletic Bilbao in their campaign to reclaim the league trophy.

On Wednesday night, Santiago Bernabeu witnessed the crucial La Liga match, which Spain's most successful team won 2-0.

Athletic Bilbao, positioned fourth in the league table, had relied heavily on Vinicius's absence as a potential advantage against Real's attacking prowess. However, their hopes were dashed as English midfielder Jude Bellingham returned to action after serving a two-match suspension.

In the eighth minute against Athletic Bilbao, Real Madrid takes the lead with an outstanding goal from Rodrigo in their first attack. From the right, Brahim Diaz controls the cross and makes his way forward, taking on opposition players. In front of him were three to four opposing players. From outside the box, this winger's bullet shot catches the goalkeeper off guard and finds the net.

For much of the time, neither team could create clear opportunities. In the 34th minute, Real's goalkeeper, Courtois, takes a shot from outside the box but fails. Five minutes later, a well-timed volley from outside the box by Villarreal's goalie goes off target.

After the international football break, Real took five shots in the first half, scoring three times. One of Bilbao's two shots hit the target, but the goalkeeper, Lunin, kept it out.

In the fourth minute of the second half, Brahim was unlucky not to score. Taking a pass from Rodrigo, this 24-year-old winger's low shot hits the post.

In the 52nd minute, Lunin makes another fantastic save, doubling up his efforts to deny Williams' shot from close range.

In the 60th minute, Rodrigo scores another fantastic goal, doubling Real's lead. Taking a through ball from Bellingham inside the box, he sidesteps a defender and finds the bottom corner with a right-footed shot.

This season, Rodrigo has scored 15 goals and provided 8 assists in the league.

The audience cheered as Militao returned to the field after seven months of recovery from an ACL injury.

With 23 wins and 6 draws in 30 matches, Real has accumulated 75 points.

Barcelona sits second with 67 points in as many matches, while Atletico Madrid is third with 65 points.

Fourth-placed Bilbao has 56 points.

Real Madrid now faces more than a week's break. On April 9, they will face Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at home, a clash between the record champions of the competition.