Athletic Club - Real Madrid

It was not to be. With 49,316 people in attendance, it was the match with the most spectators in San Mamés history. Athletic went for it from start to finish, but it is Real Madrid who take home the spoils.

Two quality strikes from Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos made the difference against a fighting Athletic side who carried the initiative all night but didn't get the reward they deserved.

Athletic started the game like a meteor, pinning Carlo Ancelotti's men deep in their own half. In fact, Aitor Paredes, who produced a solid performance on his first ever league start, had a fine header saved by Thibaut Courtois' fingertips.

Nico Williams nutmegged Eduardo Camavinga and then struck wide with a left-foot effort. An great move between Nico, Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams died in the side netting... then Valverde's wise words came true: when you think you are better like Madrid, they show up.

And so it was. In the 24th minute, Benzema scored with a left-footed volley. The French ghost back to haunt San Mames once more.

It hurt Athletic. Los Leones struggled to get back into the game until after the break. Unai Simón stopped away another Nacho shot with his shoulder and then Real Madrid defender missed a sitter when he shot against Alex Berenguer.

Marco Asensio missed another easy chance. And then Athletic went on the hunt. Yuri played in Nico, who mishit our best chance in the 69th minute, and Iñaki had an equaliser disallowed as Gorka Guruzeta was judged offside in the build-up.

In the 90th minute, Kroos made the final score 0-2 with one of his famous low drives.

Los Leones are stay in eighth place in LaLiga Santander, but there is no time for regrets. On Thursday, they travel to Mestalla where they have the chance to reach the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.