Eder Militao returned to action for Real Madrid for just the second time this season after coming on as a late substitute against Athletic Club.

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Militao makes cameo against Athletic ClubFirst appearance in 232 daysReturns from lengthy ACL lay-offWHAT HAPPENED?

The defender was named in the Madrid squad for Sunday's La Liga game for the first time since their opening game of the season. He replaced Dani Carvajal in stoppage time on Sunday to play the final two minutes of the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. The ball was even kicked out of play by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to allow the Brazilian defender to enter the field.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sunday's brief appearance was Militao's first in 232 days. He last featured in the first game of the season but was taken off after just 50 minutes with an injury and he was subsequently ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

DID YOU KNOW?

Militao's return will come as a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti's team as well as the Brazil national side. The Spanish giants are out to seal the league title and maintain their fight for the Champions League crown.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

After Sunday's 2-0 win against their Basque visitors, Madrid sit eight points clear at the top of La Liga. They now have a bit of a break as their next game is against Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals on April 9.