Real Madrid ease past Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid have extended their unbeaten run to nine games in La Liga with a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.

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Madrid took the lead with only two minutes played as Cristiano Ronaldo lashed in a spectacular free kick from 30 yards.

They nearly extended their advantage a minute before half time, but Angel di Maria's effort crashed against the crossbar.

Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz came to the home side's rescue on the hour mark when he kept out Marcelo's cross before reacting quickly to deny Karim Benzema for the rebound.

However, Madrid made it 2-0 with 20 minutes to play thanks to a powerful Ronaldo header from Xabi Alonso's free kick.

The victory was sealed soon after as Gonzalo Higuain drilled a low shot into the far corner on the angle.