Real Madrid 1-0 Athletic Bilbao: Hits and Flops as Los Blancos go 7 points clear at the top | La Liga 2021-22

Real Madrid scrapped past Athletic Bilbao as Karim Benzema's goal proved to be the difference between the two teams at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid started the game on a strong note, with Benzema looking to put his team in front. The Frenchman was rewarded for his persistence, tucking home a mishit by Luka Modric to score the opener on the cusp of half-time.

Athletic Bilbao had the better of the chances, but they failed to make them count. Inaki Williams and Raul Garcia missed quite a few easy chances in the opening half. The visitors looked sturdier in the second. But once again their poor finishing, coupled with some brave defending by Real Madrid ensured they did not take anything away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

On that note, here's a look at the five hits and flops in the game:

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#5 Hit: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Thibaut Courtois diverts the ball away from goal.

It was tet another brilliant performance from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian bailed Real Madrid against Sevilla and did so yet again against Athletic Bilbao. Courtois made some key saves to cover up for the lapses of his teammates.

He made some fabulous saves in the second half to keep the Real Madrid citadel intact. Courtois's attentiveness and quick reading of the game ensured Athletic Bilbao returned empty-handed from the game.

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#4 Flop: Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Inaki Williams tussles it out with Eder Militao.

Inaki Williams had a night to forget against Real Madrid. The Spanish international missed quite a few chances to change the dynamic of the game. He missed two absolute gifts after some shoddy defending by David Alaba and Eder Militao. Had he put those chances away, Real Madrid would have had quite an uphill task.

Williams dismantled Madrid's defensive structure on a couple of occasions, but failed to take make them count. He was also the outfield player with the least touches (37) throughout the game.

#3 Hit: Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Vinicius in action against Athletic Bilbao

Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr is evolving into a better player with each passing game. The Madrid starlet is steadily improving on every facet of his game.

His performance against Athletic Bilbao showed that he is getting better with his passing and decision making. A perfect one-two sequence with Luka Modric that eventually led to Benzema's goal particularly caught the eye.

Vinicius won ten duels, created five chances and won two tackles throughout the game. Moreover, his bag of tricks bamboozled Inigo Lekue and Oscar de Marcos all game.

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#2 Flop: Inigo Lekue (Athletic Bilbao)

Inigo Lekue

Inigo Lekue did not enjoy the best of nights against Real Madrid. The Athletic Bilbao defender was tasked with the job of stopping Vinicius Jr. Needless to say, the Brazilian was too hot to handle for the 28-year-old.

Lekue lost five duels and conceded three fouls in the first half. He even received a yellow card for a cynical challenge on Vinicius Jr. The Spaniard's struggles against the winger did not go unnoticed, with Marcelino replacing him after the first 45 minutes.

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#1 Hit: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Karim Benzema celebrates after scoring.

After finishing fourth in the Ballon d'Or standings, Karim Benzema looks hungry for more. The Frenchman scored the winner on the night after some beautiful work by Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and Marco Asensio. He now has 12 goals in La Liga this season.

Benzema combined well with Vinicius on the left, forcing some great saves off Unai Simon. The 33-year-old was the focal point of most Real Madrid attacks.

He combined well with the midfielders and eased the transitions, while moving higher up the pitch.