Spain’s Bilbao, August 12 (Reuters) – Real Madrid won 2-0 against Athletic Bilbao to begin their La Liga campaign on Saturday thanks to goals from Rodrygo and newly acquired Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham, who won the game’s MVP award and cost Borussia Dortmund 103 million euros with a further 30 million euros in add-ons, was unstoppable as he made persistent challenges and generated many chances up front.

The 20-year-old Bellingham worked well with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. in the new 4-4-2 system after former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema moved for Saudi Arabia.

Real’s first opportunity came in the 14th minute when Federico Valverde sent a long-range shot that narrowly missed the crossbar.

After Athletic’s defense failed to successfully clear a challenge won against Dani Carvajal inside the box in the 28th minute, they took the lead. Rodrygo scored a deft strike between goalkeeper Unai Simon and the near post after reacting quickly to collect the errant pass.

Eight minutes later, after latching onto a David Alaba corner, Bellingham scored with a lovely volley that arced over Simon and into the top right corner.

Real was in complete control, but they wasted a lot of opportunities to widen their lead in the second half.

They also lost defender Eder Militao, who left the field in tears five minutes after the half with what appeared to be a left knee injury.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti made a number of adjustments and looked content after the game was won.

Bellingham is a wonderful young man who works hard and exhibits character. He is simply amazing,” Ancelotti said in a statement to Movistar Plus.

“He is a wonderful player and a very, very significant signing. He is highly motivated to be here.

“We were fired up and motivated, we had a very good collective commitment, attitude, won many challenges, worked together defensively, a clean sheet was positive… it was a complete game, with a very high level first half and a second half of total control.”