Real Madrid welcomed Athletic Bilbao to the Bernabeu on Sunday looking to make it nine points from their first three league games.
Isco's second goal in his third league appearance and Cristiano Ronaldo's first of the season ensured that the capital outfit entered the interval with a two-goal lead.
Chances were few and far between in the second half, but Isco grabbed his second in the latter stages, before Ibai Gomez scored a late consolation for the Basque outfit.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Morning all! Our La Liga action for the day gets underway in Madrid as Real welcome Bilbao to the Bernabeu. Both sides have made 100% starts to the season, but Madrid will be expected to continue their winning run on their home patch. However, there is no question that Bilbao are a different animal this season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, it does make good reading for Bilbao. Madrid have won each of the last five games, scoring 18 goals in the process. In the corresponding match last season, Madrid were 5-1 winners, but they also won 3-0 at San Mames in the latter stages of the season. Pretty comprehensive record.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Khedira, Modric, Isco; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Benzema
BILBAO: Iago; Iraola, Balenziaga, Laporte, Gurpegi; Susaeta, Benat, Iturraspe, Rico; Aduriz, Muniain
So there we have it. No Mesut Ozil in the Madrid XI this afternoon, while Iker Casillas also remains on the bench. Arsenal targets Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria both start. The big news coming out of the Bilbao camp is the omission of Ander Herrera from the starting side. The Spaniard has been widely linked with a move to Manchester United and his absence will certainly fuel suggestions of a move.
As mentioned, Madrid have taken six points from their first two games. They needed a late header from Isco to claim all three points against Real Betis on the opening weekend of the season, before Karim Benzema helped them record a 1-0 win over Granada. It has been far from comprehensive, but the points are all that matters at this stage of the season.
Of course, they finished second behind Barcelona last season, while they were also beaten by rivals Atletico Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey. By their own high standards, it was not a great season, but under the stewardship of Ancelotti, they will hope for a more successful campaign. They were stunning at the Bernabeu in the league last season, winning 17 of their 19 games.
Bilbao, meanwhile, have also recorded back-to-back wins thus far. They were 2-1 winners on the road against Real Valladolid on the opening weekend of the season, before claiming a 2-0 win at home to Osasuna next week. They finished a disappointing 12th last season, but a strong start could see them secure a top-half finish.
Bilbao are also under management this season with former Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde at the helm. It would be fair to say that there was some problems under Marcelo Bielsa last season, but there is a better feel around the place in the new campaign. They lost Fernando Llorente in the summer, but they have added in the correct areas.
Looking ahead for a moment, following this match, the action resumes at 3.30pm as Espanyol welcome Real Betis. Arguably the game of the weekend follows as Real Sociedad welcome Atletico Madrid, before Valencia host Barcelona in the 8pm start. Be sure to join us for that. I can assure you that you will not want to miss it.
Right, little under two minutes until kickoff on this warm afternoon in the Spanish capital. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway. Bilbao have made an impressive start to the season, but I cannot see anything other than a comfortable home victory.
Just a reminder of the main team news. No Ozil or Casillas in the Madrid XI, with Diego Lopez and Isco both starting. There are also spots for Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria. Bilbao, meanwhile, omit Herrera from their starting side, but Mikel Rico does start. The home side get the action underway in the Bernabeu.
Packed house inside the stadium this afternoon with the home supporters in good voice. First sign of Ronaldo as the Portuguese attempts to curl an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Bilbao attempt to break with Muniain, but the Spain Under-21 international is denied by a fine challenge from Arbeloa.
Last season, this would have been a home banker for Madrid. But there is something different about Bilbao this season. There is no question that they are a much happier side. However, the speculation surrounding Herrera would not have helped. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes of action in the Spanish capital.
It is understood that Gareth Bale will finally complete his move to Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur later this afternoon. It is about time as well. It will be interesting to see what the final figure actually is. Positive start from Bilbao this afternoon with the likes of Benat and Iturraspe seeing plenty of the ball.
It's good work from Susaeta as the Spaniard drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but Ramos is across to clear the danger at the vital moment. Madrid break down the other end with Di Maria moments later, but it proves to be too compact in the middle of the park.
It's good work from the home side on the counter as Di Maria, Benzema and Isco all combine in the final third, but Iraola is across to clear at the vital moment. The Basque outfit work the ball from left to right moments later before Benat picks out the run of Aduriz, but Lopez was always favourite to claim the high ball.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening 12 minutes of football with Madrid finding it difficult to negotiate their way through this stern Bilbao defence. The match has not really got going thus far with the home side going through the motions. However, the home supporters remain in good voice this afternoon.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Modric attempting to find the run of Di Maria inside the box, but the offside flag is raised. Ronaldo has possession outside the box moments later, but Rico, who is making his Bilbao debut this afternoon, is across to quell the danger. It has been a positive start to proceedings for Bilbao.
Good pressure from Madrid as the home side force back-to-back corners, but the first is cleared by Susaeta before Iago comes to claim the second under pressure from Ronaldo. The home supporters call for a penalty moments later as Isco falls inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
Frustrating start for Ronaldo as the Portuguese loses possession twice within the space of 30 seconds. The home side are enjoying the majority of the ball, but they have not looked like finding the back of the net thus far. Any sign of Bale? The Welshman would liven this up one up that is for certain. Still goalless in the Bernabeu.
Gurpegi has been caught out a couple of times in the last couple of minutes. A half-chance arrives for Di Maria as the Argentine breaks past the defender, but he can only chip his effort into the arms of the goalkeeper. That is about as close as they have come thus far. Bilbao remain comfortable with 22 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Bilbao to force the issue with a free kick outside the box, but Benat's delivery is straight into the arms of Lopez. Another free kick arrives for the away side moments later, but it is played short before the Basque outfit force a corner. Plenty of attacking intent from the away side as the first period continues to gather pace.
Opportunity for Ronaldo to try his luck from outside the box as Gurpegi fells the Portuguese on route to goal. The resulting free kick is taken by the former Manchester United forward, but his effort is straight into the wall. Bilbao attempt to break down the other end with Aduriz, but Lopez is off his line to quell the danger.
Another half-chance for Ronaldo as the attacker collects possession outside the box before cutting inside Iraola, but his effort is pushed wide of the post by Iago. The resulting corner is met by the head of Ramos, but his effort drops wide of the post. That is just about as close as either side has come with 28 minutes on the clock in the Spanish capital.
GOAL! Madrid 1-0 Bilbao (Isco)
Isco scores his second league goal of the season as the Spaniard finds himself unmarked inside the box. The midfielder steadies himself before rolling his effort into the bottom corner. It was poor defending from Iraola, however, who had been playing the former Malaga midfielder onside.
Where does this leave Ozil in the Madrid team? Isco appears to be the number one choice for that position now. The German does not seem the type of character to be happy to sit on the bench. A half-chance arrives for Bilbao down the other end from a Benat free kick, his effort is straight into the wall, but the referee awards a re-take, booking Khedira in the process.
Madrid contest the decision, but the referee is not interested. Finally Benat has another opportunity from the resulting free kick, but his effort just whistles wide of the post. Good grief that was close. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining. Madrid have the lead courtesy of that smart finish from Isco.
Half-chance for the away side this time as Susaeta finds some space down the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Pepe is out to clear at the vital moment. Madrid regain possession moments later before Ronaldo looks for the run of Benzema, but the Frenchman cannot find the turn of pace to move past the challenge of Laporte.
Half-chance for Khedira as the German midfielder meets a cross from Marcelo, but his header was always looping high and wide of the crossbar. Di Maria is involved moments later as the Argentine cuts inside before finding Benzema, but he loses possession at the vital moment. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in the Spanish capital.
Slightly untidy last couple of moments with Muniain and Aduriz both on the end of poor challenges from Khedira and Marcelo respectively. Bilbao will be quite content with their display in the opening 38 minutes, but will be keen to become more of an attacking threat in the second period. Madrid lead, but it has not been a particularly impressive performance thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the opposing half. Di Maria attempts to take matters into his own hands with a curling effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the target. Bilbao continue to advance into good positions, but without really threatening to find the back of the net.
Good spell for Bilbao in the last couple of moments with the Basque outfit forcing successive corners. The first is clipped over his own crossbar by Ronaldo, before Aduriz heads the second into the arms of Lopez. Madrid break down the other end, but Benzema cannot make contact with a sweeping cross from Di Maria.
Good pressure from Madrid in the final few moments of the half as Benzema collects a pass from Isco before attempting to place one into the bottom corner, but Iraola manages to make the clearance. The resulting corner is delivered towards Ronaldo, but Iago comes to clear. I shouldn't think that the referee will add too much time at the end of the half.
GOAL! Madrid 2-0 Bilbao (Ronaldo)
Madrid have their second of the afternoon in the latter stages of the first period as Ronaldo plants his header into the back of the net following a smart cross from Di Maria. That is tough on Bilbao, who have quelled the home side for long periods this afternoon.
HALF TIME: Madrid 2-0 Bilbao (Ronaldo)
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Madrid leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Isco and Ronaldo. It has not been the most impressive of performances from the home side thus far, but they are on course to make it nine points from their opening three matches of the La Liga campaign.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking talents on their bench with Mesut Ozil, Jese Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata all in reserve. Meanwhile, Bilbao could call upon the likes of Ibai Gomez, Oscar de Marcos and Albizua in the second period. What about Herrera? Could he feature?
STATISTICS: Madrid have had 59% of the ball thus far, while they have had seven attempts to Bilbao's zero. The away side have also made a perfect start to the season, but it appears that will end this afternoon. There has also been one yellow card apiece with Khedira booked for Madrid and Gurpegi booked for Bilbao.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise based on what we have seen thus far. If Bilbao are to get back into this match, they simply have to score the next goal. Right, Bilbao get the second period underway.
Excuse me, Bilbao have made two changes with Oscar de Marcos and Erik Moran replacing Iturrasape and Rico, who have both struggled to influence proceedings thus far. Valverde had to do something there is no question about that. An early goal for Madrid and this could get very nasty very quickly for the Basque outfit.
It's smart work from Muniain as the Spanish winger collects possession in a wide area before finding Susaeta outside the box, but his cross is straight into the arms of Lopez. Positive start to the half from the away side. However, they really need an early goal if they are to pull themselves back into the match. Little over 40 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Good work from Iago as the Bilbao goalkeeper is quick off his line to clear a through pass from Modric. It is quite comfortable for Madrid at the moment as they continue to work the ball from left to right, but the attack is brought to an end with Isco in an offside position.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments, but Bilbao have certainly made this second period more of a contest. Ronaldo threatens to force the issue as he drives past Gurpegi before advancing towards goal, but Laporte is across to make a fine block. A third goal for the home side would put this one to bed there is no question about that.
Half-chance for the home side as Pepe meets a corner from Isco, but somehow he cannot make contact under pressure from Iraola. Bilbao advance down the other end with Aduriz, Iraola eventually has a strike on goal, but it is comfortable for Lopez, who has been a spectator for long periods of the match.
It's good defending from Gurpegi this time as the Spaniard manages to arch his body to clear a long pass from Khedira. Benzema has another half-chance moments later as he meets a through pass from Modric, but Iago is out to clear at the vital moment. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining. Still Madrid lead 2-0 courtesy of goals from Isco and Ronaldo.
Bilbao have just started to up the tempo in the last couple of moments with Muniain and Susaeta seeing more of the ball in and around the Madrid box. The former appears in trouble moments later after being caught by Khedira, but he does rise to his feet. The young Spaniard has been in the wars this afternoon there is no question about that.
Couple of opportunities for Ronaldo to claim his second as the Portuguese appears to beat the offside trap, but the flag is eventually raised. Another half-chance arrives for the Portuguese outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. The match has just entered a stale period with Madrid seemingly comfortably heading for the three points.
Gurpegi is lucky to remain on the pitch as the Spaniard fells Ronaldo outside the box. That could have been a straight red, but he has also already been booked. The resulting set piece is whipped into the box by Di Maria, but the danger is cleared by Iraola.
Bilbao have their third and final change of the match as Muniain, who had been struggling with an injury, is replaced by Ibai Gomez for the final 20 minutes or so. Madrid are yet to look to their bench, but I suspect we could see the likes of Ozil and Morata in the latter stages. A Bilbao goal would certainly spice this up.
Half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo strikes a free kick from outside the box, but Iago is down to make a fine save at the vital moment. From the resulting corner, Ronaldo again comes close to making contact, but Laporte manages to clear the danger. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Madrid look to their bench for the first time this evening as Casemiro replaces Khedira, who has been booked in the second period. Madrid continue to force the issue with possession in and around the Bilbao box, but the away side must be credited for their defending this afternoon. Not much time remaining in Madrid.
GOAL! Madrid 3-0 Bilbao (Isco)
Isco scores his second of the afternoon as the Spaniard collects possession outside the box before sweeping a wonderful effort into the back of the net. How good has he been today?! Madrid make a change moments later as Jese replaces Benzema.
Well, that has certainly put this game to bed. Madrid have not been that fluid in attack this afternoon, but have scored three times, which will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season. Jese has been a real livewire since entering, meanwhile, with the Spanish youth international keen to make his mark with little under 15 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! Madrid come close to scoring their fourth as Arbeloa collects a loose ball inside the box, but Iraola manages to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. A fourth goal would be harsh on Bilbao, but it is all one-way traffic as the former Spanish champions continue to cut through this Bilbao defence.
GOAL! Madrid 3-1 Bilbao (Gomez)
Bilbao open their tally for the afternoon as Gomez collects a loose ball inside the box before thumping his effort into the back of the net. Poor defending from Madrid, but that has handed the away supporters something to cheer.
I thought that this match would just dither in the latter stages, but Bilbao can sense something here. They are committing five or six players forward with each attack, but it is leaving space for Madrid to attack. I would not be surprised to see another goal in the final seven minutes or so in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Jese to open his tally once more as the Spaniard drives into the Bilbao half before striking an effort from outside the box, but it was rising high and wide of the crossbar. Madrid make their third and final change moments later as Carvajal replaces Marcelo.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments, although Bilbao will be pleased with the way that they have ended. If only they could have found this tempo in the early stages of the second period then it might have been a different match. As it stands, Madrid will indeed move onto nine points for the season.
Half-chance for Ronaldo to grab his second of the afternoon as he evades two challenges outside the box before advancing into the Bilbao box, but he can only plant his effort wide of the post. I shouldn't think that the referee will indicate too much added time at the end of proceedings.
The fourth official indicates that we will play three additional minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Good spell for Bilbao in the last couple of moments with Benat and Aduriz both having attempts from outside the box, but neither comes close to testing Lopez in the Madrid goal.
FULL TIME: Madrid 3-1 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Madrid picking up all three points courtesy of a double from Isco and a header from Ronaldo. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us from 3.30pm for three back-to-back games in La Liga. Until then!
