Athletic Club 0-2 Real Madrid: Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos see visitors to victory in La Liga

Moments of magic from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos earned Real Madrid all three points against Athletic Club at San Mames.

The home side started on the front foot, pressing Real Madrid with high energy and intensity. It was an open and even first half, with both sides getting forward and looking to create chances.

Real Madrid broke the deadlock after 25 minutes thanks to a superb volley from Benzema on his weak foot, a moment of pure genius from the Madrid forward to swivel in the box before unleashing a fantastic effort.

It was Benzema's 228th La Liga goal, putting him level with Raul in second place for La Liga goals in Real Madrid's history behind Cristiano Ronaldo.

From that moment on, Los Blancos dominated proceedings, keeping the ball well and frustrating Athletic.

Athletic came out for the second half in the same manner as they started the first, with lots of intensity and pressure as they pushed for an equaliser.

The game got more and more stretched as it went on, with lots of space appearing in behind for either side to exploit when they got on the ball. Athletic looked to use the width to their advantage in the latter stages, firing cross after cross into the box which the Real Madrid defenders dealt with superbly.

Ernesto Valverde's side had their best chance of the game on 70 minutes, the ball fell to Nico Williams around eight yards from goal but he could only fire his effort agonisingly wide of the post.

Athletic did manage to put the ball in the back of the net late in the game courtesy of Williams, but it was ruled out for offside following a touch on the way through.

The home side continued to knock on the door before Real Madrid killed the game off in stoppage time. Substitute Rodrigo smartly pulled the ball back for Kroos who struck it superbly first time into the bottom corner. It was an excellent strike especially considering the ball was just behind Kroos, another real moment of magic for Madrid.

Overall it was a thoroughly professional performance for Carlo Ancelotti's side who move to three points behind La Liga leaders FC Barcelona.

The 20-year-old was superb in midfield today for his side. He was relentless for the entire 90 minutes, sprinting around to make tackles, block shots, cut out loose passes and when he was on the ball his passing was sharp, incisive and intelligent.

In a starting XI without Kroos or Luka Modric, Camavinga was given the platform to shine and he did exactly that. A superb performance from the French international.

It's no secret that Real Madrid can often take a while to get going in their La Liga campaigns, almost as if for the first half of the campaign they are merely warming up. Los Blancos are usually able to patch up poor performances thanks to moments of magic from the vast array of talent at their disposal. Today however, was a sign that Madrid are beginning to click into gear.

Defensively they were much better than they have been recently, they were sharper, more focused and dealt with Athletic's attacking threat superbly - Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao in particular were excellent. In midfield, the trio of Camavinga, Valverde and Ceballos controlled proceedings in a really professional manner, moving the ball around well and dictating the tempo. When Athletic piled the pressure on towards the end, there was no rash mistakes, no losses of concentration - just mature and composed play from Real Madrid. It looks as though Carlo Ancelotti's team is alive and ready for the second half of the season.

Real Madrid: Courtois 7, Mendy 7, Rudiger 8, Militao 8, Nacho 8, Camavinga 9, Valverde 8, Ceballos 8, Vini 7, Benzema 8, Asensio 7. Subs: Modric 6, Kroos 7, Rodrygo 7

Athletic Club: Simon 6, de Marcos 6, Vivian 6, Paredes 7, Berchiche 7, Zarraga 7, Vesga 6, Nico Williams 6, Sancet 6, Berenguer 6, Inaki Williams 6. Subs: Lekue 6, Herrera 7, Muniain 7, Guruzeta 7, Garcia N/A

16' BIG CHANCE! - That was sensational from Nico Williams, he turns on the ball, nutmegs Camavinga before unleashing a strike with his left foot which curls just wide of the post.

24' GOAL - REAL MADRID - What a fantastic goal! The ball drops to Karim Benzema who pivots and strikes it first time on the volley into the bottom corner. Unai Simon was rooted to the spot.

58' BIG SAVE - Nacho shoots from close range but Unai Simon stands strong to save it.

69' What a chance! - The best of the game for Nico Williams. The ball falls to Nico around eight yards out but he strikes wide of the target.

77' OFFSIDE! - Athletic have the ball in the back of the net but it's ruled out for offside. Nico Williams was on hand to rifle home the rebound.

90' GOAL - REAL MADRID - Toni Kroos with a fantastic strike on the edge of the box. Pure class and that's game over.

Karim Benzema scored his 228th goal in La Liga and equalled Raul as Real Madrid's second top scorer in the competition behind Cristiano Ronaldo.