On January 13, 2018, Villarreal took the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu thanks to Pablo Fornals' goal, and due in no small part to the performance of midfielder, Rodrigo.
Anyone watching that match, including Atletico executives, would've liked what they saw from the Yellow Submarine's No.16, and it was arguably at that point when a decision was made to bring the player back to the Rojiblancos.
Forming a partnership with Trigueros, Rodrigo took over the midfield despite the level of his Real Madrid opponents.
Zinedine Zidane had played Casemiro, Kroos, Modric and Isco, but the 21-year-old looked far from out of place.
He was outstanding, and managed the tempo and the rhythm of the game throughout the 90 minutes.
Diego Simeone, if he plays him, will be hoping Rodrigo can do the same on Saturday night.