Real Madrid's bid to continue their unbeaten start to the new La Liga season continued away to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.
Los Blancos dominated the first 45 minutes and entered the interval with a one-goal lead courtesy of Karim Benzema.
Bilbao were level in the 67th minute when Sabin Merino headed home at the far post, but three minutes later, Benzema had his second for the visitors.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from San Mames as out-of-form Athletic Bilbao welcome Rafael Benitez's Real Madrid. The visitors will enter this match as the favourites to claim all three points, but Bilbao always raise their game against the bigger teams, especially in this stadium.
Bilbao were 1-0 winners in the corresponding fixture last season, but they have not won consecutive league games against Real Madrid since 2005. What's more, Real Madrid have won on three of their last five trips to Bilbao, but all three of those victories occurred at the old San Mames. Since then, Bilbao have won once and the points have been shared in a 1-1 draw. Let's hope for a good game tonight!
Right, the team news has landed so let me bring you up-to-speed here...
TEAMS
BILBAO: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Laporte, Etxeita, Balenziaga; Benat, San Jose, Garcia; Susaeta, Aduriz, Sabin
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Pepe, Marcelo; Modric, Kroos, Kovacic; Ronaldo, Benzema, Isco
So there we have it. Bilbao are still without the likes of Inaki Williams, Ander Iturraspe and Iker Muniain through injury, but Mikel San Jose is fit to start in the middle of the park. Summer signing from Atletico Madrid Raul Garcia is also selected by Ernesto Valverde, while Aritz Aduriz will once again lead the line. The surprise name in the XI is Sabin Merino, who is chosen in a wide position.
As for Real Madrid, Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, James Rodriguez and Danilo are all still on the sidelines. Raphael Varane partners Pepe at the heart of the defence, while there is a first league start for Mateo Kovacic following his summer move from Inter Milan. It appears that Isco will operate in a wide role this evening, with Karim Benzema in the centre of the front three. Two interesting teams selected!
So there we have it – the team news is in and we are now only around 45 minutes from kickoff tonight. Incidentally, there are other La Liga matches taking place this evening, with Barcelona currently in action at Celta Vigo. It is still 0-0 with 17 minutes played, but Celta are firmly on top!
When Bilbao beat Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup at the start of the season, there was a lot of optimism about the new La Liga campaign. It has been a really disappointing opening four rounds for Ernesto Valverde's side, however, who have picked up just three points from four games to sit in 13th. League position at this stage of the season is not really an issue, but results need to improve.
The Basque side opened their new league season with a 1-0 defeat at home to Barcelona, but would have fancied their chances of returning to winning ways at Eibar one week later. That was not the case as a 2-0 home victory made it back-to-back defeats to start the new season. Bilbao did return to winning ways in their last home league game, however, as they overcame Getafe 3-1.
Bilbao could not make it back-to-back wins, however, as they lost 3-1 at in-form Villarreal at the weekend. Balancing European and domestic football is once again going to be a challenge for Valverde, whose team have already played five Europa League games this season. After overcoming Inter Baku and Zilina in qualifying, their first group match brought a 3-1 win over Augsburg on September 17.
A poor start and indeed middle to last season threatened to make it a difficult campaign for Bilbao, but Valverde's side went on an excellent run in the final months to eventually finish in eighth position. The supporters will be looking for an improvement this time out, however, having finished fourth and secured Champions League football in the 2013-14 campaign.
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UPDATE! Nolito has sent Celta Vigo 1-0 ahead against Barcelona!
Bilbao's start to the new season as a whole might have been disappointing, but star forward Aritz Aduriz has continued his excellent form from last term. The Spaniard has already netted nine goals in all competitions this season, including three in the league. If the hosts are to secure a positive result this evening then you sense that the 34-year-old will need to play well. Kickoff is fast approaching here.
UPDATE! Barcelona are 2-0 down at Celta! Aspas! Incredible!
As for in-form Real Madrid, they are looking to continue what has been an unbeaten start to the new season. Los Blancos opened their La Liga campaign with a disappointing 0-0 draw at newly-promoted Sporting Gijon, but returned to winning ways with a 5-0 victory over Real Betis. That was quickly followed by a 6-0 win at Espanyol, where Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed five goals.
Benitez's team also opened their Champions League Group A campaign in impressive fashion with a 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk last week. The capital side also won in the league at the weekend, but they could only beat Granada by the one goal in Madrid. That said, it is very much points and not performances that matter most at this stage of the season and Real Madrid have 10 of them.
It is worth remembering that Real Madrid actually lost two of their first three league games last season and needed an incredible winning run to take charge of La Liga entering 2015. They eventually lost out by two points to Barcelona, but the challenge facing Benitez this season is to recapture the Spanish crown. It promises to be a fascinating 2015-16 campaign and I for one cannot wait!
In terms of what is ahead for Real Madrid, after this one, they will welcome Malaga to the Bernabeu on Saturday, before returning to Champions League action away to Malmo on September 30. Then comes the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid on October 4, which is always electric. It is a big couple of weeks!
DID YOU KNOW? Real Madrid have won on both of their previous trips to Bilbao on a Wednesday in La Liga. They recorded a 3-0 victory in 2012 and were also 5-0 winners in 1996.
UPDATE! Bad news for Barcelona fans, but great news for followers of Real Madrid. The Catalan outfit are 2-0 down at the interval of their La Liga clash at Celta Vigo. Some turn-up there!
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside San Mames as we approach kickoff here. Real Madrid will be aware of the Barcelona score and will want to take advantage of any possible slip from the Catalan side. Bilbao, however, certainly know what it takes to beat Real Madrid on home soil.
PREDICTION! This is a really tough game for Real Madrid, but I just think that the visitors will have a little bit too much for Valverde's side here. It could well be a tight fixture for long spells, but I do believe that Los Blancos will record another three points. For me, Bilbao 0-2 Real Madrid.
KICK OFF! Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first half. I shall also keep you updated with any goals that go in between Celta and Barcelona. The visitors kick us off...
... as expected, the away side have taken control of the possession in the early moments here, with Pepe and Varane both getting plenty of touches at the back. Bilbao will attempt to press high up the field, but will be very much aware of the threat down the other end. Here's to a good game tonight.
CHANCE! Aduriz bursts into the Real Madrid box following good work from Garcia, but Varane is across to make a wonderful challenge. Lightening pace from the centre-back there!
Half-chance for the away side this time as Ronaldo drives down the left before delivering a cross towards Isco, but Benzema takes it off the Spaniard's head. Isco should have shouted louder there.
Well, as expected, it has been an open and entertaining start to this La Liga fixture, with both teams committing numbers each time they break into the final third. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital. Barcelona are still 2-0 behind at Celta, meanwhile.
Half-chance for Real Madrid as Isco drives to the edge of the Bilbao box before sliding a pass into Benzema, but his low attempt was deflected wide of the post. Good spell for the visitors here.
Ronaldo attempts to run Etxeita down the Bilbao right, but the defender stands strong to make the challenge, much to the delight of the home supporters. Bilbao manage to break down the other end with Susaeta, but the winger cannot escape the challenge of Isco and Real Madrid have a dead ball.
Bilbao continue to threaten in wide areas as Benat delivers towards Aduriz, but Varane manages to clear the danger. The atmosphere inside the stadium rises as the home side continue to move the ball in the final third, but Real Madrid, as they have done all season, continue to defend their own box well.
Susaeta hammers one well wide of the post as Bilbao enjoy yet more advanced possession.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Benzema meets a loose bouncing ball inside the Bilbao box, but his half-volley was never really troubling the home side's goalkeeper. Still goalless here.
UPDATE! Barcelona are 3-0 down at Celta, Aspas again!
Celta are about to go top of the table, which is quite incredible. What a start to the season for they have made! Real Madrid will have entered this game knowing that Barcelona were 2-0 down and therefore desperate to claw back some ground. No real clear opportunities at San Mames thus far.
Real Madrid have a free kick in a very good position as Benat brings Modric to the ground...
... Ronaldo takes the resulting set piece, but his effort was always wide of the post.
GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Oh my word! Real Madrid take the lead in the 19th minute following a horrible piece of defending from San Jose. Iraizoz had played a short free kick into his midfielder, who then decided to play a blind back pass. Benzema was quickly on the scene, however, and had the simple task of finishing past the Bilbao goalkeeper. It is a very cheap goal to concede at any level of football, let alone this level!
Well, that goal has pretty much silenced the crowd, which is a shame because Bilbao started this game really well. There is still plenty of time remaining, but that is a big blow for the home side.
CHANCES! Real Madrid come close to making it 2-0 as Ronaldo meets a loose ball on the edge of the Bilbao box, but his effort is beaten away by Iraizoz. All Real Madrid at the moment as Marcelo delivers a super low cross towards Benzema, but the Frenchman cannot make contract. Should be 2-0!
Ronaldo is really causing Bilbao problems at the moment as the Portuguese again races into a forward position, but his final effort was deflected over for a corner. All one-way traffic here.
BOOKING! Susaeta (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Marcelo.
The home side are becoming more and more frustrated with their inability to break through this Real Madrid defence, while the visitors are looking dangerous each time they break forward. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital. Bilbao need some inspiration here.
CHANCE! Another great chance for Real Madrid as Ronaldo leads a counter before finding Isco, who plays a super pass into Kroos, but the German's effort just moves wide of the post!
Half-chance for the home side this time as Susaeta gets down the right before finding the head of Sabin at the far post, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. End-to-end football!
Good spell of possession for Bilbao in the last couple of moments and they again threaten down the right as Susaeta plays a low cross into Garcia, but the midfielder's effort is deflected wide of the post. The home supporters have found their voices again as this first period continues to gather pace.
Real Madrid have just taken the sting out of the game in the last couple of moments with a period of possession, while they continue to look threatening in the final third. Barcelona are still 3-0 down at Celta, meanwhile, and that game is not far from finishing. It could well be a good night for Los Blancos!
Benzema has another shot blocked on the edge of the box as Real Madrid continue to force the issue. It must be said that tonight's goalscorer has been excellent in the early stages of the new season.
There have not exactly been a whole host of clear opportunities in this first period, but Real Madrid deserve their lead as we approach the 40th minute. It has been a good half for Benitez's side.
CHANCE! Real Madrid again comes close as Carvajal delivers a super cross towards Ronaldo, who sets up Kovacic inside the box, but the Croatian's spin and strike is palmed over the crossbar!
UPDATE! Now then, Barcelona have one goal back at Celta, who lead 3-1.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and Benzema's goal is still the difference between the two teams. Bilbao threaten down the left as Benat plays in Aduriz, who flicks one towards Garcia, but Pepe is across to clear at the vital moment. More good defending from Los Blancos.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to level as a deep cross from Balenziaga finds Aduriz onside inside the Real Madrid box, but his diving header is kept out by the excellent Navas!
SAVE! It is goalkeeping of the highest order from Iraizoz as the Bilbao stopper keeps out a point-blank strike from Kovacic, who had all sorts of room inside the box. Oh my word what a stop!
UPDATE! Celta now lead 4-1 against Barcelona. Game over!
Carvajal fires over the crossbar as Real Madrid continue to run riot here.
We have only seen one goal in this first period, but in truth, Real Madrid could be leading 6-2 - there have been that many opportunities. Let's hope for more of the same in the second 45 minutes.
HALF-TIME: Bilbao 0-1 Real Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid winning 1-0 courtesy of a 19th-minute goal from Benzema, who capitalised on a poor back-pass from Benzema. The visitors have had a whole host of opportunities to add to the scoring, but Iraizoz has been excellent between the sticks. Bilbao, however, have also had their moments in an open first period at San Mames.
STATISTICS! Real Madrid have just about shaded the possession with 54%, while they have had 12 attempts - four of which have been on target. Bilbao, meanwhile, have only managed one attempt on target from four shots. There have also been seven corners - four for the visitors.
BENCH WATCH! Bilbao do not exactly have a whole host of attacking options on their bench this evening, but the likes of Ibai Gomez, Rico and Kike Sola are capable of making a difference. As for Real Madrid, they have attacking options in the shape of Jese, Cheryshev and Lucas Vasquez.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Barcelona have indeed lost at Celta Vigo (4-1) and there is no question that those inside the Real Madrid dressing room would have been made aware. Right, it is the hosts that get the second half underway...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period gathers pace here.
It has been a bright start to the second half from Bilbao, with Susaeta and De Marcos combining in a wide area, but the latter's cross is cleared by Varane. Real Madrid continue to leave four players up the field, which is making it a difficult for the hosts to commit men forward. Fascinating battle here.
Varane makes a super dart forward for Real Madrid before finding Benzema, but the Frenchman's deflected effort just bounces over the crossbar. Varane's pace there was absolutely frightening!
SAVE! Navas is forced into a good save for Real Madrid as Sabin drives down the left before setting up Aduriz, who hammers one towards the bottom corner. Super goalkeeping there!
BOOKING! Ronaldo (Real Madrid) is booked for dissent.
Bilbao have a free kick in a very dangerous position...
... Benat sets up Susaeta outside the box, but Modric is across to make the block.
The referee just needs to settle things down as the challenges continue to fly in, with both teams guilty of losing their tempers. Still just the one goal in this game, which is quite incredible.
Bilbao continue to control the possession here, with Garcia having more of an influence in the final third. Aduriz remains the main focal point and the 34-year-old has also been much more involved in the second period. Real Madrid need to be really careful as they continue to leave space in wide areas.
BOOKING! Pepe (Real Madrid) is booked for a late challenge on Garcia.
Replays have shown that Garcia was very fortunate to escape a booking for a late challenge on Ronaldo moments before Pepe collected a yellow. Little over 30 minutes remaining at San Mames.
Not too much to report in the way of clear chances here, but both teams are still threatening. Benat takes the ball away from Kroos before attempting to find Aduriz, but Varane is across to clear, before Ronaldo heads over the crossbar down the other end. Benzema's goal remains the difference here.
PENALTY SHOUT! Bilbao have a strong shout for a penalty as Aduriz's goal-bound attempt is blocked by Pepe, but the referee says it was not with his hands. The home supporters go mad!
BOOKING! Benat (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Isco.
Little under 25 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid still lead 1-0. No movement on either bench at the moment, but I suspect that both managers are running through their options here.
Varane heads over the crossbar following a Modric corner from the left.
BOOKING! De Marcos (Bilbao) is booked for a poor challenge on Modric.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-1 Real Madrid (Sabin)
All square! We are all level at San Mames as Susaeta drives down the right before delivering a super cross onto the head of Sabin, who angles his effort into the bottom corner. What a way to level!
This is starting to get very nasty as both sets of players continue to fly into late challenges. However, the referee has always been quickly on the scene. What a final 20 minutes we have upon us here.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid (Benzema)
Real Madrid regain the lead in the 70th minute as Modric plays a stunning reverse pass into Isco, who crosses for Benzema and the Frenchman cannot miss from close range. Some goal that!
REAL MADRID SUB! Isco is replaced by Jese Rodriguez.
BILBAO SUB! Mikel Rico replaces San Jose.
Real Madrid and indeed Benzema come close to a third, but the Frenchman's low effort just moves wide of the post. I would not be surprised if we had not seen the last of the goals at San Mames.
CHANCE! Aduriz has the chance to level the scores after meeting a bouncing ball inside the Real Madrid box, but his low effort brings an excellent save from Navas. Another fine stop there!
Little under 15 minutes of football remaining and this game is still very delicately poised. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team, but I am not sure how much energy is left in their legs. Both managers still have two permitted changes and it would be a surprise if they were not used.
BOOKING! Kroos (Real Madrid) is booked for handball.
Garcia hooks one wide of the post as Bilbao again threaten with a deep cross into the box.
REAL MADRID SUB! Casemiro replaces two-goal Benzema.
BOOKING! Ibai Gomez (Bilbao) is booked for a late challenge on Carvajal.
Bilbao continue to force the issue here with both full-backs overlapping down each team. Again Aduriz is the target from a deep cross, but Pepe manages to clear with a super header.
CHANCE! Ronaldo goes alone for the away side after driving past two defenders, but his low effort was always moving wide of the post. It has been a frustrating night for the Portuguese thus far!
BILBAO SUB! Kike Sola replaces Benat.
Bilbao continue to force the issue, but Real Madrid have been very strong at the back and that remains the case as Pepe and Varane both clear within a matter of seconds. Not long left here.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Navas as the Real Madrid goalkeeper tips a Garcia header over the crossbar. More pressure from the home team, but it remains 2-1 to Real Madrid at San Mames.
REAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic is replaced by Lucas Vasquez.
BOOKING! Garcia (Bilbao) is booked for a tug on Jese.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes here.
Real Madrid once again threaten on the counter as Jese leads a three-on-two situation, but the Spaniard picks the wrong pass and Bilbao manage to survive. Still 2-1 Real Madrid late on here.
FULL-TIME: Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid
So there we have it. Real Madrid hold on to record an incredible three points at San Mames - what a game between these two Spanish rivals! Benzema got both goals for the visitors, who have moved onto 13 points for the season. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
