### Real Madrid Thrashes Athletic Bilbao, Bellingham Scores Again

In a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday, Real Madrid secured their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds with a comprehensive victory over Athletic Bilbao. The match saw the Spanish giants dominate from start to finish, showcasing their formidable attacking prowess and solid defensive solidity.

#### Match Highlights:

1. **First Half Dominance**: Real Madrid quickly established control in the opening half, with Antoine Griezmann scoring twice within the first 25 minutes. The French striker’s goals gave the hosts an early lead that they never relinquished.

2. **Athletic's Rebound**: Despite the early deficit, Athletic tried to rally, but Real Madrid’s defense was unyielding. The Basque side attempted several counterattacks but were unable to break through the tight Real Madrid midfield.

3. **Second Half Intensification**: In the second half, Real Madrid continued to dominate. Nacho Fernandez added another goal for the home team, while Gareth Bale also scored late in the game to further extend their advantage.

4. **Final Moments**: As the clock approached its end, Real Madrid maintained their dominance. A last-minute corner kick from Sergio Ramos resulted in a shot that hit the crossbar before bouncing back into the net, sealing the win for the champions.

#### Player Performances:

- **Antoine Griezmann (Real Madrid)**: The French forward was instrumental in the match, scoring two goals to help secure Real Madrid’s victory.

- **Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)**: Bale added his third goal of the season, showing his consistency and power in attack.

- **Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid)**: The Argentine midfielder provided a crucial assist, helping Real Madrid maintain their lead throughout the match.

- **Eduardo Fernández (Athletic Bilbao)**: Although not as impactful as some other players, Eduardo Fernández did manage to score one goal for Athletic Bilbao, highlighting the quality of their squad.

#### Technical Analysis:

The technical performance of both teams was impressive. Real Madrid’s possession-based play was dominant, with the ball moving swiftly across the pitch. Their pressing and set-piece work proved effective, particularly in the final stages of the match. Athletic Bilbao, despite their efforts, struggled to create meaningful chances, which contributed to their defeat.

#### Impact on the Tournament:

This victory for Real Madrid is significant for several reasons:

- It advances them to the next round of the Champions League, where they will face either Shakhtar Donetsk or Eintracht Frankfurt.

- It solidifies Real Madrid’s position as one of Europe’s top clubs, maintaining their dominance in domestic competitions and international tournaments alike.

- It provides motivation for Real Madrid’s fans, who have been eagerly anticipating this moment after years of disappointment.

#### Conclusion:

Real Madrid’s comprehensive victory against Athletic Bilbao serves as a reminder of their strength and resilience. With Griezmann, Bale, and Fernandez leading the charge, the club continues to demonstrate why they are considered one of the greatest teams in world football. This result sets up a challenging fixture in the upcoming Champions League group stage, but it leaves no doubt that Real Madrid remains a force to be reckoned with in European competition.