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Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao

By Ali Al Hassan

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 21: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with Carlos Casemiro (left 2), Toni Kroos (L) and Lucas Vazquez (right 2) after scoring a goal during La Liga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2019. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 21: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with Carlos Casemiro (left 2), Toni Kroos (L) and Lucas Vazquez (right 2) after scoring a goal during La Liga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2019. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid picked up a convincing win against seventh-placed Athletic Bilbao thanks to a Karim Benzema hat-trick on Sunday. Here are three takeaways from the La Liga match.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Vallejo and Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Ager Aketxe of Athletic Club during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Vallejo and Dani Carvajal of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Ager Aketxe of Athletic Club during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 21, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

1. Jesús Vallejo Gets First Start Under Zidane

Jesús Vallejo was the surprising inclusion in the lineup for Zinedine Zidane as he made his first appearance since the French manager returned to the club. Zidane has already mentioned that he finds Vallejo “interesting” and made it clear that the young Spanish defender will get a chance in the team before the end of the season, but no one would have predicted him to be starting this soon and against Bilbao as well.

The lineup was confirmed with Vallejo on the team sheet as it brought a meltdown amongst a considerable amount of Real Madrid fans who were shocked to see that he would start as he has only played a total of two minutes in La Liga before today.

With a lot to prove to the coaching staff and fans, Vallejo put in a performance that will be incredibly significant to his career. One significant tackle when Bilbao was one-on-one with Keylor Navas, as well as three interceptions, and three clearances ensured that he did his part defensively. This was the first time in five matches Real Madrid managed to keep a clean sheet in La Liga.

Even though this match may go a long way in Vallejo’s personal career and help to boost his ego, it is still unknown what difference it could make to his future at the club given his injury record as well as Real Madrid’s signing of Eder Militao.

Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema leaves the pitch with the match ball after scoring a hat trick during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on April 21, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s French forward Karim Benzema leaves the pitch with the match ball after scoring a hat trick during the Spanish League football match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid on April 21, 2019. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Karim Benzema

What more can be said about this man? He was expected to step up this season and he has beyond exceeded expectations! With his hat-trick against Athletic Bilbao, Karim has brought up his La Liga tally to 21 goals and has broken a record at the club by scoring Real Madrid’s last eight goals without anyone scoring in between.

It’s more than safe to say that the French striker has his place assured for next season and no one should expect any less. Benz was able to step up this season and carry the weight of the team so he genuinely doesn’t deserve any less.

Zidane has admitted that he feels the striker is the best in the world and that statement alone should let you know that he won’t be going anywhere this summer.

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with Carlos Casemiro (left 2), Toni Kroos (L) and Lucas Vazquez (right 2) after scoring a goal during La Liga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2019.(Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates with Carlos Casemiro (left 2), Toni Kroos (L) and Lucas Vazquez (right 2) after scoring a goal during La Liga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2019.(Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

3. Feeling Good

It’s not a secret that Los Merengues genuinely have nothing to play for this season and whether they beat Athletic Bilbao or not, it won’t make that big of a difference at the end of the season but all wins carry their weight and it felt good to see the team get three past the Basque.

Karim Benzmea’s impressive hat trick guides Real Madrid past Athletic Bilbao. dark. Next

In a season full of all types of disappointments, we should also celebrate the small positive moments and this definitely was one of them as we slowly look forward to the upcoming season with changes to the squad that will be fully lead by Zidane.

For the next few games, enjoy the players and enjoy the small celebratory moments before we fight to get back to where we truly belong next year.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more great Real Madrid coverage!

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