Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao: Goals and Highlights from 2016 La Liga Game

Real Madrid hosted Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, looking to continue their strong run of results since Zinedine Zidane took over as manager in January.

It didn't take long for the home side to find the breakthrough, Cristiano Ronaldo tearing down the left channel and cutting inside to fire Real ahead after three minutes:

"

"Ronaldo's too old, he's not the same, he only scores tap ins." 😴😒 pic.twitter.com/3ChofSYLPr

— ❤️=⚽️ (@Total_Futbol_) February 13, 2016"

But Athletic hit back quickly, Javier Eraso capitalising on a mix-up in the Real defence to equalise:

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#RMAATH / Eraso égalise pour l'Athletic suite à une erreur de Varane ! (1-1)pic.twitter.com/91hHgG2kGV

— FootActuFast (@FootActuFast) February 13, 2016"

Both sides missed chances as the first half went from end to end before James Rodriguez restored Real's lead with an arrowed drive into the bottom corner:

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.@jamesdrodriguez just scored a cracker for Real Madrid #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/cn68s8Q1EH

— Real Madrid Fans UK (@BernabeuUK) February 13, 2016"

And it was 3-1 before half-time when Toni Kroos controlled a Ronaldo pass in the penalty box and smashed emphatically past goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz:

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Gollllllll de Tony Kroos - Real Madrid 3-1 Athletic de Bilbao pic.twitter.com/2dkiWiVjkG

— Neto De la Cruz (@Ernesto77ES) February 13, 2016"

Raphael Varane saw red for a second yellow card after 83 minutes but Ronaldo scored again shortly after, controlling Lucas Vazquez's cross on his chest before firing home:

"

What an unbelievably woeful season Ronaldo's having. Fraud https://t.co/KTvnt0dNO4

— DareToWilsh (@DareToWilsh) February 13, 2016"

Gorka Elustondo grabbed a late consolation for the visitors with a fine header:

"

Aqui el Gooooooool de #Elustondo que puso #RealMadrid 4 #AthleticClub 2 #HalaMadrid #HalaMadridYNadaMas pic.twitter.com/rYQA7hNLVS

— OSOvision (@OSOvision) February 13, 2016"

But it wasn't enough for Athletic, as Real held on for the win.

Final score: Real Madrid 4-2 Athletic Bilbao

[Twitter]