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

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).