Karim Benzema's quickfire strikes under 10 minutes gave Real Madrid the win at Bilbao as they edged Athletic Bilbao to go eight points clear at the top of the Laliga table heading into the winter break. The strikes take Benzema's talky to 20 goals for the season.

Although Athletic Bilbao pulled one back in the 10 minutes, from a superb strike from Oihan Sancet it was not enough for the game to end in a draw as Real Madrid head into the Christmas holiday in a dominant position at the top of the table with nearest title rival Sevilla having a game in hand.

Athletic Bilbao did have chances with Nico Williams, brother to Inaki Williams denied a leveler by an excellent save from Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao's last-ditch tackle at the edge of the box to stop Inaki Williams who seems to be through on goal.

Madrid did have chances of their own but Bilbao keeper Julen Agirrezabala was in superb form to stop Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard from putting the game beyond the Bilbao club.

Real Madrid looks in pole position to win the Laliga title with their last defeat coming in early October against Espanyol.