Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao in the central match of the 18th round of the Spanish La Liga - 0:2.

" In the 24th minute, Karim Benzema scored after the pass of Marco Asensio.

For the French striker, this goal was ninth this season, and only 228th in La Liga.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner is second among the Blancos' top scorers in the Spanish Liga, equaling Madrid's other legendary striker Raul.. Only Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals for the " Athletic tried to bounce back and avoid defeat, putting pressure on the Real Madrid goal. During this match, the Basques inflicted 18 shots on the opponent's goal against 10 for Carlo Ancelotti's wards. However, the hosts failed to score..

But the "

Review of the match " Athletic have 26 points and are in eighth place..

In the next round, Madrid will host Real Sociedad on January 29, and the Basques will meet Celta on the same day..