With 46 points (14 wins, 4 draws, 1 defeat), Real is now eight points ahead of its immediate follower Sevilla FC, and Betis (3rd), which will only play this day in January.

Athletic Bilbao is 10th.

Real had to bring this meeting forward due to a scheduling problem linked to the Copa del Rey.

French international Karim Benzema, in sparkling form, scored his fourteenth and fifteenth goals of the season on Wednesday, consolidating his position at the top of the scorers' standings.

The first was successful in the 4th minute, with a splendid curled shot, and the second three minutes later, on an opening from Eden Hazard.

Benzema injured his back in the action, but was able to resume the match.

The Basques, however, were quick to react and wake up San Mamés, with a reduction in the score of Oihan Sancet, a shot entering the area that hit a post before entering the goal of Thibaut Courtois (10).

Three goals after 10 minutes of play ... and that will be it!

Subsequently, in fact, neither of the two teams managed to change the score, despite two great last chances for Real in added time, especially that of Toni Kroos, alone at 6 meters, whose shot was hijacked by Julen Agirrezabala.

Benzema was replaced in the 90th minute by Luka Jovic, and Hazard in the 86th minute, by Peter Gonzalez.

Earlier in the afternoon, Atlético Madrid, defending champion in great difficulty, ended its year 2021 with a fourth straight defeat in La Liga, on the ground of Granada (2-1), in a match in delay of the 9th day.

Diego Simeone's team are fifth, seventeen points behind Real.

© 2021 AFP