Sergio Ramos scores again as Real Madrid edge closer to La Liga title

Sergio Ramos scored yet another penalty kick winner as Real Madrid claimed a 1-0 win over Athletic Club to edge them closer to the Spanish title.

Zinedine Zidane’s side were presented with the chance to go seven points clear at the top of La Liga with Barcelona set to face Villarreal later on Sunday evening and they took that chance despite being pushed all the way by Athletic.

This was a hard-fought contest that saw few genuine goalscoring chances created, although Karim Benzema and Rodrygo both spurned good opportunities in the first half at a sunshine-drenched San Mames.

The decisive moment came in the second half when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty kick for a foul by Dani Garcia on Marcelo inside the box, spotted after a VAR check. Ramos stepped up to convert his fifth goal in his last seven games and his 10th La Liga goal of the season as a whole.

Real Madrid’s win means they now hold a seven-point advantage at the top of La Liga with the pressure now on Barcelona to at least stay on the tail of their rivals with a win of their own against Villarreal.

Anything less than three points for Barcelona away to Villarreal later this evening will effectively see Real Madrid crowned champions, with Los Blancos holding a seven-point advantage at the top of the table after this win. But even if Barca stay on their tail, Real Madrid have now cleared their last notable hurdle heading down the final stretch. It now appears to be a matter of time before they are confirmed champions.

Real Madrid have played at a far higher level this season, but few wins have been as significant as this one and Luka Modric was crucial to Los Blancos getting over the line. The three-month hiatus seems to have rejuvenated Modric with the Croatian finding his best form since the restart. The ground he covered against Athletic Club was incredible. His energy was crucial to Real Madrid claiming this 1-0 win.

Athletic Club - Simon 7, Capa 6, Yeray 5, Martinez 6, Yuri 7, Muniain 6, Lopez 5, Garcia 5, Cordoba 5, Williams 6, Garcia 7. Subs - Vesga 5, Villalibre 6, Nunez 6, Sancet 6, De Marcos 5.

Real Madrid - Courtois 5, Carvajal 6, Ramos 8, Militao 7, Marcelo 6, Modric 8, Casemiro 6, Valverde 5, Rodrygo 5, Benzema 6, Asensio 6. Subs - Kroos 6, Vazquez 5, Vinicius 6.

21’ Yeray injury! This is a blow to Athletic Club. Yeray seems to have picked up an injury and he is signalling to the bench. He is going to have to come off here. The change is being readied! On comes Nunez.

24’ Rodrygo over the bar! The Brazilian teenager should have done better with that. Asensio's cross to the back post bounced through to Rodrygo, but he heads over the crossbar.

45’ Big chance for Benzema! That was the opportunity for Real Madrid to take the lead just before the break! Asensio's cross was a great one, but Benzema just couldn't get high enough and he glances wide!

70’ PENALTY KICK TO REAL MADRID! Garcia stood on Marcelo's foot inside the box and the referee points to the spot after a VAR check!

73’ GOAL! Athletic Club 0-1 Real Madrid: The Real Madrid centre back steps up to the penalty spot and finds the corner of the net with a well-taken shot! Simon went the right way, but there was no way for the Athletic Club goalkeeper to get there! A big moment for Los Blancos!

Sergio Ramos has scored 10 La Liga goals for Real Madrid this season, the first time he has reached double figures in a single league season.

Real Madrid have won all seven games they have played since the resumption of the Liga season.