Real Madrid stretch La Liga lead with win over Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid stretched their lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga to five points with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Casemiro scored what proved to be the winner for Zinedine Zidane’s side at San Mames, putting them five points clear of their greatest rivals at the top of the standings. Athletic Bilbao dominated large spells of the match, but were ultimately toothless in the final third.

Karim Benzema was the driving force behind the away side, scoring the opener and causing problems for the hosts throughout. However, Real Madrid were pegged back in the second half when Aritz Aduriz headed home following a set up from Raul Garcia.

But the league-leaders responded immediately when Casemiro finished from close range, with Real Madrid seeing out the game to collect a valuable three points, taking full control of the title race ahead of Barcelona’s game against Valencia tomorrow evening.

The Welshman was back in the Real Madrid starting lineup for this match, but failed to make much of an impression. Gareth Bale drifted through the match, somehow staying on for the full 90 minutes despite being well short of match sharpness. So has he been rushed back to action too quickly? Would a stint on the bench be better for his recovery?

Questions have been asked of Benzema in recent weeks, with Alvaro Morata considered by many to be Real Madrid’s best centre forward, but the French striker was at his best against Athletic Bilbao. His finish for the opening goal was exquisite, also turning provider for a number of golden opportunities spurned by teammates. Benzema has hit a real vein of form.

Athletic Bilbao - Kepa 6, De Marcos 6, Laporte 5, Yeray 7, Balenziaga 6, Iturraspe 6, Benat 7, Lekue 6, Garcia 8, Williams 8, Aduriz 7. Subs - Muniain 6, Rico 5, Susaeta 5.

Real Madrid - Navas 7, Carvajal 6, Nacho 6, Ramos 7, Marcelo 5, Modric 5, Casemiro 6, Kroos 5, Bale 5, Benzema 8, Ronaldo 6. Subs - Morata 5, Isco 5, Vazquez 6.

15’ WHAT A CHANCE! That was easily the best opportunity of the match so far. An Athletic Bilbao freekick was headed down inside the area, but from close range Yeray puts his shot past the post.

25’ GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0 Real Madrid 1: It's Real Madrid who have taken the lead at San Mames! Ronaldo got in behind the Athletic defence and played a pass right across the face of goal for Benzema to finish into the corner. Great goal.

65’ GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1 Real Madrid 1: The home side are back on level terms and it's Aduriz who has got the goal! A cross from the right wing was headed back into the danger area by Garcia and Aduriz was on hand to finish

68’ GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1 Real Madrid 2: That's a body blow for the home side! Just minutes after their equaliser Real Madrid have taken the lead again! Casemiro slots home a finish after a near post flick on from a corner by Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the first Real Madrid player to reach double figures in goals (26) and assists (10) this season.

Ronaldo has provided more assists (19) to Karim Benzema than any other Real Madrid player.