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Mateo Kovacic thanks manager Rafael Benitez after making first Real Madrid start

Real Madrid newcomer Mateo Kovacic thanks manager Rafael Benitez after making his first start for the club in Wednesday's win over Athletic Bilbao.

Real Madrid newcomer Mateo Kovacic has thanked manager Rafael Benitez after making his first start for the club in Wednesday's win over Athletic Bilbao.

The Croatia international impressed in the centre of midfield as Real went to the top of La Liga for the first time since November 2014, and he even came close to getting on the scoresheet.

"It was a very difficult game. The pressure put on us by Athletic's defence made it very difficult for us but the important thing is to have got the three points," he told reporters.

"I have to thank Rafa Benitez for the confidence he has shown in me. I'm really happy."

Kovacic joined Real from Inter Milan during the summer window for a reported fee of €32m (£23.4m).

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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid29226164204472
2Barcelona29197360342664
3GironaGirona29195559342562
4Athletic Bilbao29168550262456
5Atletico MadridAtletico29174854342055
6Real Sociedad291210742311146
7Real BetisBetis29101273433142
8Valencia28117103232040
9Villarreal29108114751-438
10Getafe2991193742-538
11Las PalmasLas Palmas29107122932-337
12Osasuna29106133343-1036
13AlavesAlaves2988132635-932
14Mallorca29612112535-1030
15Rayo Vallecano29611122538-1329
16Sevilla29610133644-828
17Celta Vigo2969143244-1227
18CadizCadiz29313132040-2022
19Granada2828183058-2814
20Almeria29110182857-2913


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