Real Madrid 4-2 Athletic Bilbao : Five Talking Points

Real Madrid provisionally whittled down the gap at the top to just a point after an entertaining 4-2 win over Athletic Bilbao at home on matchday 24. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace whilst James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos joined the jamboree late in the first half.Los Leones expectedly proved to be a tough proposition for Blancos as the visitors pressed high and rattled a few nerves. Eraso’s equaliser in the 9th minute was a testament to that, but Elustondo’s late effort further accentuated Bilbao’s intent.The game, that was high on full throttle football, also saw Real Madrid centre-back Rafael Varane collect a red for his second bookable offence in the dying embers, when the scoreline still read 3-1. Howbeit, it mattered little to the hosts as they eventually went on to claim maximum points.Here are the five major issues that emerged from an intriguing clash in the Spanish capital.

#1 Real\'s quality saves their bacon

Ronaldo’s quality told in the end as he scored a brace

Real Madrid were expected to pick up the maximum points from the game given their blistering form at home, but unlike the other games, this one was quite end-to-end and the hosts’ superior quality proved to be decisive.

Los Blancos weren’t bad, but weren’t too good either. They were denied much time on the ball by a spirited Bilbao side, who obstructed their movements and limited their attacking prowess. Ronaldo’s opening goal and the second one from James oozed class and the visitors could do absolutely nothing about it.

For the better half of the game, the Whites were left stifled in the final third, but eventually, it was a few moments of sheer quality that made the difference.

#2 Bilbao match perspiration with inspiration

Athletic Bilbao’s work ethic was not rewarded

Los Blancos may have walked away with all the points, but the victory wasn’t without its warts. Athletic Bilbao knew what they were up against and stared down the barrel even before kicking a ball, yet strove hard to gain something from the game, and how.

Following Ronaldo’s opening goal, Los Leones had their rings all over the game for a good 30-35 minutes. Pressing high up the park and defending at will, Bilbao burnt the candle at both ends and made life difficult the hosts.

Post the interval too, the men from Basque country were at it again. The Real Madrid backline were made to go through the some tizzy moments and the goals they would concede reflects on that.

Athletic Bilbao may not have won the game, but they’ve surely the won respect from the fans and their manager alike.

#3 Varane still has room to grow

Real Madrid centre-back Rafael Varane has been with the capital club for almost half a decade now, but he’s yet to stake a strong claim to the spot. The Frenchman has starred for his side very occasionally, and hasn’t been able to find consistency in his game. He’s drawn flak from the media for the same, and today’s outing showed why.

The 22-year old looked out of sorts and cut a forlorn figure at the back. He was constantly agitated by the likes of Aritz Aduriz and De Marcos, and it was his terrible backpass that led to the equaliser. His day was summed up when he trudged off the pitch dejected after earning a red for himself late doors.

Varane is a talented, promising youngster who has, on numerous occasions in the past, shown a glimpse of his abilities. He has even gone on to earn many call-ups from the French national team. But the defender still has room to grow before he can be hailed as one of the best.

#4 Benzema goes off the boil

Karim Benzema disappointed for the hosts yet again

For arguably the first time in 2016, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema disappointed. The French international was on a 6-game scoring streak, but that streak came to an end to today.

Benzema couldn’t impose himself much in the game and looked off-coloured. The 29-year old barely had that flair in the final third that we’ve grown used to seeing from him these days and was eclipsed by his counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chances landing at his feet were few and far between, and with the ones that did, were wasted uncharacteristically. His assist for Ronaldo’s opening goal was the only solace he can take from an otherwise dour evening.

#5 Real Madrid get a hint of what\'s in store in the coming weeks

Zidane passed his side’s first real test today

From Athletic Bilbao onwards, Zinedine Zidane’s tenure at the helm of Real Madrid was set to face an acid test. His side won the first challenge, but today’s match gave a peek into what’s ahead of them in the coming weeks.

The game brought to the fore the chinks that Real Madrid have to iron out from their armor. It highlighted their vulnerability at the back against pressing teams and also their struggles against bigger sides.

Los Blancos travel to the Italian capital for a clash with AS Roma in the Champions League this Wednesday that will be followed by fixtures against Malaga and Atletico Madrid later this month. Whilst Bilbao were just a preliminary test, these are the games that will truly signify their title tilt on both, the league and the CL, fronts and Real Madrid better be ready for that.