For the second match in a row, a Sergio Ramos penalty conversion lifted Real Madrid to victory as they this time defeated Athletic Club 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at San Mames in Bilbao.

Los Blancos now have a perfect seven wins out of seven matches since the restart of LaLiga and own a seven-point lead over second-place Barcelona ahead of the Catalan club's visit to Villarreal later on Sunday.

Just like in the midweek win over Getafe, it was not the best performance from Real Madrid, but there were notable displays from the likes of Marco Asensio, making his first start since his return from a long-term injury, and reserve centre-back Eder Militao, who filled in quite well for Raphael Varane.

Zinedine Zidane made several changes, with Asensio coming in for Toni Kroos, while Rodrygo replaced Vinicius.

Fede Valverde was back in the mix at midfield, while Marcelo rotated back in at left-back, in addition to the inclusion of Militao.

Real Madrid were close to scoring early when an Asensio freekick had to be parried by Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Dani Carvajal was there to take advantage of the rebound, but he mishit his cross to a wide-open Karim Benzema and the chance was lost.

There were looks at the other end as well, first through Inaki Williams, albeit from an offside position, and then later a Raul Garcia header that Thibaut Courtois ably saved.

Rodrygo also flubbed a header after a fine cross from Asensio, so despite the bevy of chances for both sides, it was still scoreless at the first cooling break.

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Another cross from Asensio nearly yielded the game's first goal, but it was a hair too tall for Benzema, who did not connect enough to land his header on target.

Real Madrid started the second half in bright fashion and began pushing Athletic further back into their own half, but it was still a goalless affair as play drifted into the final 25 minutes.

Their efforts would bear fruit when VAR ruled that Dani Garcia stepped on Marcelo in the area and Ramos, like he always does, tucked home the spot kick to give Real Madrid a 1-0 lead.

Zidane made his first two substitutions right after the goal in hopes of getting a second to kill things off, as Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius came on for Rodrygo and Asensio respectively, followed later by Toni Kroos for Valverde.

Benzema had the best chance to find Real Madrid's second, but instead fired at Unai Simon.

Nevertheless, a strong team defensive performance helped Zidane's men close things out to pocket another three points.

MARCA