The Brazilian struck twice to sink Los Leones on a drab night at the Bernabéu
Athletic Club were beaten 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu with two Rodrygo goals on the counter-attack giving Real Madrid the win.
Los Leones did not have their best night and will only stay in the Champions League places if Atlético fail to defeat Villarreal FC at La Ceramica on Monday.
Real Madrid were rarely troubled by a toothless Athletic. The Lions started the game with three corners and possession in their opponents' half, but conceded in the seventh minute as Rodrygo finished off a counter attack. It was Madrid's first real chance of the night.
The Zurigorri suffered another blow as Yeray Álvarez pulled up injured in the 24th minute.
Athletic controlled the ball, but could not find a way to hurt Carlo Ancelotti's side's well-organised defence.
Real Madrid didn't pose much of a threat either. Julen making saves to keep out Fede Valverde and Aurélien Tchouamneni. At the other end, Athletic's only effort was a timid Gorka Guruzeta shot before half-time.
Brahim Díaz hit the post after the restart and the Lions had their best chance of the night when Iñaki Williams tested Andriy Lunin with a back-post volley from an Alex Berenguer corner.
The game ended in the 72nd minute as Rodrygo beat Julen Agirrezabala after a dazzling counter-attack. The Lions' only sniff was a scuffed shot from Iker Muniain.
Athletic will begin to prepare for next Saturday's Copa final against at La Cartuja against RCD Mallorca, a match in which the team and the fans have high hopes. However, we will have to prepare thoroughly, the Balearic Islanders have proven they are a dangerous side.
