Real Madrid thrash Athletic Club Bilbao 5-1

Real Madrid have now put 19 goals past Athletic Bilbao in their last four league meetings at the Bernabeu.

Athletic Club Bilbao entered Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with the third-worst defense in the league, having allowed 21 goals, and only a strong performance by goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz saved it from a historic rout.

Madrid jumped in front in the 16th when defender Jon Aurtenetxe scored an own goal when trying to stop Karim Benzema from shooting after the France striker latched onto Luka Modric's long pass from deep in his own half.

Sergio Ramos headed in Madrid's second goal at the half-hour mark off when Athhletic Club Bilbao left him unmarked to meet Mesut Oezil's free kick.

Benzema, just back from injury, struck two minutes later, spinning inside the area and swerving a superb shot around Iraizoz before Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ibai Gomez pulled one back three minutes from halftime.

Benzema crossed for the wide-open Oezil to tap home in the 56th with Athletic Bilbao caught totally off-balance.

Substitute Sami Khedira also came back from injury in fine form for Madrid with a goal in the 72nd.

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