Real Madrid 4-1 Athletic Bilbao

Coming off yet another Clasico loss in the Copa del Rey while keeping an eye on the second leg, Real Madrid hosted Athletic Bilbao in what has proven to be a very difficult encounter. Jose Mourinho decided to surprise the fans by making more changes to the first team squad that played against Barcelona. When Madrid played against the Catalans, the back-four consisted of Hamit Altintop, Sergio Ramos, Ricardo Carvalho, and Fabio Coentrao. From all these names, only Sergio Ramos started in center back partnered up with Raphael Varane. On the right was Alvaro Arbeloa (who was suspended against Barcelona) and on the left was Marcelo. Also, in midfield, Esteban Granero was given a surprise start for the first time since last season in midfield with Xabi Alonso. Kaka partnered up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil while Karim Benzema lead the attack.

If this game wasn't interesting enough (especially when seeing the starting line-up) Iker Casillas played his 600th game for Real Madrid after 13 years of playing with the club. Ironically, his debut game was also against Athletic Bilbao.

The game began and both teams seemed very hungry for this win with each one attacking back and forth but it only took 13 minutes for the opener as Bilbao's most dangerous man, Fernando Llorente, scored after a superb cross to make it 1-0 for the visitors. Some panic crept into the Madristas but the team kept on fighting. After a couple attempts, Marcelo was able to get the equalizer on the 25th minute to bring the Whites back into the game.

As the second half started, Kaka was fouled in the box after only 25 seconds and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty to make it 2-1. Ronaldo was able to score yet another penalty on the 67th minute after Mesut Ozil was tripped in the box and De Marcos getting a red card.

The game kept going and no other than Jose Callejon, the second half substitute, was able to make it 4-1 with a great finish in the 86th minute.

This was a great game for Real Madrid but they have to keep in mind what is coming up really soon. They will be at the Camp Nou to play against Barcelona and being behind by a goal already will be very difficult to come back from.

Best Real Madrid Player: Marcelo

Worst Real Madrid Player: Alvaro Arbeloa

LA LIGA TOP 5:

1. Real Madrid - 49 Points

2. Barcelona - 44 Points

3. Valencia - 35 Points

4. Levante - 31 Points

5. Espanyol - 28 Points