Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the match as Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of Spain’s La Liga to seven points by beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 yesterday.
It was Benzema’s 17th goal of the season when he converted five minutes before half-time.
Benzema has now scored 35 goals in 46 matches in all competitions for Real Madrid in 2021, equalling his best goal-scoring tally for the club in a single calendar year since 2019.
Athletic Bilbao pressed Real Madrid late on but were unable to find an equaliser and remain eighth, without a win in six matches.
The victory extended Real Madrid’s advantage over defending champions, Atletico Madrid.
