Real Madrid have moved to the top of La Liga after a hard-fought victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Merengues, who were unbeaten in their previous 14 home games, including Tuesday's 5-1 win over Legia Warsaw, took the lead with their first attack after Isco kept his balance at the byline and supplied Karim Benzema to slot home from close range.
Athletic had threatened early on themselves and after Inaki Williams brought a save out of Keylor Navas, the visitors equalised when Inigo Lekue broke down the right, and although his cross was intercepted, Javier Eraso was able to poke the ball to Sabin Merino to score his second goal in three games against Real.
Zinedine Zidane's side had chances to retake the lead before half time and Cristiano Ronaldo squandered a golden opportunity when he broke down the right side, and despite having Gareth Bale and Benzema in support, fired a shot straight at Gorka Iraizoz.
Minutes after the break, Athletic almost edged in front when Eraso teed up Williams who, with only Navas to beat, fired a first-time effort over the bar.
Ronaldo then squandered further opportunities including a shot from the edge of the area, which failed to trouble Iraizoz as Real fans became more disgruntled while the game was still level.
However, Real finally managed to retake the lead as Bale crossed for Alvaro Morata, whose initial effort was saved by Iraizoz before the former Juventus forward tapped home from close range.
Real now lead the Primera Division by one point from Sevilla, who beat 10-man Atletico Madrid earlier on Sunday.
Chris O'Keefe
