Karim Benzema and substitute Toni Kroos scored to help Real Madrid to a 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao. The away victory was enough for Carlo Ancelotti’s men to move back to within three points of league leaders Barcelona after the Catalan giants had moved six points clear with a 1-0 win against Getafe earlier on Sunday.
Ballon d’Or holder Benzema extended his run to six goals in five league matches with a sublime left-footed volley in the first half before Toni Kroos curled a fine shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box.
It helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side bounce back after defeats in their last league match at Villarreal and against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup.
Victory at eighth-placed Athletic Bilbao – who have not won in four league matches since returning from the World Cup break – also helped Real Madrid restore a three-point cushion over third-placed Real Sociedad, who they face in their next league match at home on 29 January.