Real Madrid put pressure on the leaders with home win

Quick goals

It took Cristiano Ronaldo only three minutes to open the scoring at the Bernabeu cutting inside the full back and curling a shot into the far top corner. That set in motion a thrilling first 45 minutes packed with action.

Madrid were threatening to cut loose when an error at the back allowed Athletic Club back into the game. Rafael Varane’s backpass caught out Keylor Navas and Javier Eraso pounced to level the scores in the 10th minute, netting his first of the campaign.

Athletic pressure

Lifted by the equaliser Athletic caused Madrid’s defence a few problems. Zinedine Zidane had lined up Danilo at rightback and Dani Carvajal on the left, but a steady stream of crosses unsettled the home side. Navas made a flying save from an Aritz Aduriz header and then the striker had a shot which spooned up off his foot and against the crossbar.

James rocket

The game was open with both sides creating chances until James Rodriguez popped up to lash Real Madrid in front. Picking the ball up just outside the area, the Colombian dodged his marker and let fly with a fierce shot which flew just inside the post. It was his fourth goal from the outside the area this season, the most scored by any player in the Liga BBVA.

Kroos opens account

On the stroke of halftime, Toni Kroos made it 3-1. Ronaldo dribbled in off the left and fed the German in the area. Kroos spun unmarked and fired in past Gorka Iraizoz, the ball taking a slight deflection off Aymeric Laporte. It was the midfielder’s first goal this season.

Ronaldo sets a new record

Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men when Varane picked up his second yellow card seven minutes from time, but Madrid still managed to grab another goal. Ronaldo grabbed his second chesting down in the area to fire in his 21st this season. It also made him the player with the most goals ever scored against Athletic Club (16) in the history of the Liga BBVA.

Elustondo headed in a second for the visitors at the end, but Madrid took all three points to keep the pressure on Atletico Madrid and leaders FC Barcelona.