Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain were again on the scoresheet as Real Madrid ensured the Primera Division title race would go to the final week with an ultimately convincing 5-1 victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao.
The duo had netted 51 league goals between them in 56 games prior to this fixture and they were on the mark once more as Madrid stayed within a point of leaders Barcelona, who beat Sevilla 3-2.
Ronaldo, who struck his first hat-trick for Madrid in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Real Mallorca, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute in an incident that also saw Athletic defender Fernando Amorebieta sent-off.
Athletic captain Fran Yeste threatened to ruin Madrid’s night when he scored a brilliant equaliser just before half-time, but four goals in the final 17 minutes from Higuain, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Marcelo earned the home side their 18th win in their last 19 league games.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are still underdogs to win the title however, as Barca are at home to lowly Real Valladolid next weekend while Madrid go to Malaga.