Cristiano Ronaldo strikes late to deny Athletic Bernabeu win

Cristiano Ronaldo’s late strike was enough for Real Madrid to claim a 1-1 draw against Athletic Club at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

Inaki Williams’s dinked finish, 14 minutes in, came against the run of play, and while Zinedine Zidane’s side dominated for much of the match, it looked like they would be unable to fashion a leveller.

Real Madrid dominated the majority of the match, but struggled to break down a stubborn Athletic defence. However, with the clock ticking towards full time, Ronaldo managed to divert a Luka Modric cross-cum-shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the visiting goal to ensure a share of the spoils.

It wasn’t the ideal preparations for Real Madrid ahead of next week’s Champions League semi final first leg against Bayern Munich, with Zidane’s side set for a free weekend. This was their last run out before the game at the Allianz Arena.

The French striker has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks. Karim Benzema’s scoring record in La Liga this season is dismal, netting just five times over the course of the campaign, and it would seem that tolerance from the Real Madrid crowd is wearing thin. He was whistled off the pitch as Gareth Bale replaced him in the second half and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to imagine that the 30-year-old will still be at Real next season.

There’s a reason Real Madrid were interested in Kepa during the January transfer window. If reports are to be believed, Zidane could have signed the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper had he chosen to. Instead, they dropped their interest. On the basis of his performance, they shouldn’t have. Without Kepa, Athletic Bilbao would have suffered defeat here. He made a number of crucial saves, including an astonishing one from Marco Asensio in the first half.

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

Athletic Bilbao - Kepa 8, Lekue 6, Nunez 6, Inigo 7, Balenziaga 7, Iturraspe 6, San Jose 6, De Marcos 7, Garcia 7, Cordoba 7, Williams 7. Subs - Aduriz 4, Susaeta 4, Muniain 5.

10’ RONALDO OFF THE BAR! Inches away from being another Ronaldo goal in 2018. Carvajal swings the cross into the box for the Portuguese to attack, but his powerful header smashes back off the bar.

14’ GOAL! Real Madrid 0-1 Athletic Bilbao: Athletic have scored the opener against the balance of play! Williams is played in behind the Real Madrid defence and he chips a cute finish over Navas. What a finish! A surprise lead for the visitors.

44’ INCREDIBLE KEPA SAVE! He's made a number of good stops in this first half, but that's the best of the lost. Asensio's shot was heading for the far corner, but Kepa made the diving save. Wow!

63’ OFF THE BAR! The woodwork saves Real Madrid from conceding a second goal! De Marcos' cross causes mayhem, with Cordoba's shot blocked. Then Garcia hits the bar with the rebound!

87’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Athletic Bilbao: Real Madrid have found the late equaliser! Modric strikes on goal from the edge of the box and Ronaldo flicks the shot into the back of the net. It might have been heading in anyway, but Real don't care!