Real Madrid regained their winning rhythm, which had eluded them in the last round of the Spanish league, after achieving a thrilling victory over Athletic Bilbao in the 21st round of the competition. Madrid's points total rose to 46, placing them at the top from 19 matches, with an 8-point lead over their closest rivals, Sevilla. Meanwhile, Bilbao's points remained at 24, in tenth place. The three goals of the match came in the first ten minutes, with Madrid's star Karim Benzema scoring two goals (2 and 4), while Oihan Sancet netted Bilbao's only goal (10).