Ramos on target from the spot to secure 3 points: Real Madrid player ratings
Real Madrid secured their seventh win since the restart with a controversial VAR awarded spot kick being executed by Sergio Ramos.
Real Madrid: player ratings 1x1 vs. Athletic Club
Courtois: A solid performance from the Belgian who was one of the standout players for the visitors making two key interventions in the second half with the Belgian on track for the goalkeeper (aka Zamora) award for the season.
Carvajal: Was more active in the first half for Real Madrid offering an alternative in attack but enjoyed a more discreet second 45 minutes.
Ramos: Bagged the only goal of the game from the spot and was lucky to have not conceded a spot-kick himself moments later after the Camas born defender appeared to stamp on Athletic striker Raul Garcia. Will miss the next game vs. Deportivo Alaves through suspension after his late yellow card.
Militao: Delivered a solid defensive performance in stepping in for the absent Varane and was involved in some fine tussles with Athletic striker Iñaki Williams.
Marcelo: An accomplished performance from the Brazilian who secured the penalty kick for Zidane's side with a foray into the Athletic area only to be upended by Dani Garcia.
Casemiro: Once again, the Brazilian offered a solid display marshalling the central role and was carded late on for a foul on Munian that quite easily could have been a straight red.
Modric: Another fine performance from the Croatian in the central role and once again appeared to tire in the second period.
Valverde: Much has been said about the Uruguayan's dip in form since the player that we saw at the beginning of the campaign. A discreet first half was capped with a far more accomplished second half.
Rodrygo: The young Brazilian went close in the first half unable to secure accuracy on an Asensio assist. Was one of the three front line players to be substituted making way for Lucas Vazquez.
Benzema: The Frenchman was imperious linking up with the midfield in an accomplished manner with some wonderful displays of close control.
Asensio: The Mallorca born player almost opened the scoring early on with a fine left footed direct free-kick that called Unai Simon into action. The player delivered some fine assists but appeared to run out of energy as the match continued. Eventually made way for Vinicius Jr. in the second period.
Substitutes
Vinicius: Had one great chance at the end of the game but slipped in the key moment after replacing Marco Asensio.
Lucas Vazquez: The Galician had limited time to impose himself with the clock ticking down after coming on to replace Brazilian Rodrygo.
Toni Kroos: N/A.
Jovic: N/A.