La Liga, San Mames - Athletic Bilbao 1 (Sabin 67) Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 19, 70)
Karim Benzema struck a double as Real Madrid took advantage of Barcelona's slip at Celta Vigo to move top of La Liga courtesy of a 2-1 success at Athletic Bilbao.
The French forward opened the scoring with a predatory finish following Mikel San Jose's woeful back pass and then tapped home his sixth goal in five matches 20 minutes from time after Sabin Merino had levelled with a superb second-half header.
Real keeper, Keylor Navas had hoped to break a 40-year-old club record for shut-outs but could do little to keep out the Bilbao forward's header as the hosts dominated the second half after Madrid had wasted a raft of chances in the first period.
Cristiano Ronaldo went into the contest aiming to edge closer to Raul's all-time goalscoring record but rarely looked like adding to his own tally on a night when the three points was what mattered most for Benitez and co.
The result sees Real move top of La Liga on goal difference from Celta Vigo, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona one point behind in third and fourth respectively.
Real Madrid players celebrate a goal against Athletic Bilbao during their Spanish first division soccer match at San Mames stadium in Bilbao, northern Spain, September 23, 2015 - Reuters
KEY MOMENTS
19' - GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 0-1 REAL MADRID. The visitors lead and it's an awful goal from Athletic's point of view. A short goal kick sees San Jose play a back pass blind, allowing Benzema to sneak in and stab home one of the easiest goals of his career!
42' - REAL MADRID CHANCE! Huge chance for Kovacic. The ball is worked into the Croatian from the left. He takes a good first touch but hammers his shot straight at the keeper who is able to adjust his body to block it. A bit of composure to pick either corner there and Mateo would have been celebrating.
67' - GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 1-1 REAL MADRID. Bilbao are level!! Sabin Merino arrives on cue to finish off a lovely counter down the right with a diving header back across goal.
70' - GOAL! ATHLETIC BILBAO 1-2 REAL MADRID. Real restore their lead and it's Benzema once again! A lovely pass on the turn from Modric frees Isco on the right. The midfielder ventures into the area and slides it across for Benzema to tap home from close range.
Real Madrid players celebrate a goal against Athletic Bilbao during their Spanish first division soccer match at San Mames stadium in Bilbao, northern Spain, September 23, 2015 - Reuters
KEY STATS
Karim Benzema has scored six goals in five appearances this season (La Liga & Champions League).
There were 15 passes in the build up to Benzema's second goal, the most in one shipped by Athletic at new San Mamés.
(Stats courtesy of Opta and Infostrada)
TALKING POINT. A great night for Real Madrid. A trip to Bilbao is never an easy prospect and this was billed as the toughest test of Rafael Benitez's tenure so far. The ex-Liverpool coach will feel his side passed it but could have made life easier for themselves by taking more of their chances in a dominant first half. Barcelona's defeat at Celta Vigo was a welcome bonus and Madrid will be happy to edge into top spot and allow Barca to endure the glare of the media spotlight over the coming days.
MAN OF THE MATCH.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid). His two-goal salvo proved decisive but he also led the line well throughout the contest.
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