(MENAFN- Saudi Press Agency) Real Madrid moved up to second in the Spanish Liga Saturday with a 4-2 home thumping of Athletic Bilbao, with a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bilbao played well, but their brittle defence simply could not cope with Real's overwhelming firepower.
The Whites have won five of their six games since Zinedine Zidane took over from Rafa Benitez as coach and are now just one point below leaders Barcelona, who have played two games less.
Barca - who host Celta Vigo Sunday - have 54 points. Real are now on 53, two above neighbours Atletico Madrid, who will visit Getafe on Sunday.
Ronaldo got Real off to a flying start by opening the scoring in the third minute with a spectacular drive. Javier Eraso quickly made it 1-1 by taking advantage of a mix-up between Real defender Raphael Varane and keeper Keylor Navas.
The hosts almost took the lead when Bilbao's ageless striker Aritz Aduriz hit the crossbar. James Rodriguez restored Real's lead with one of his trademark left-footed efforts, and Toni Kroos made it 3-1 just before half-time after being set up by Ronaldo.
Varane was sent off seven minutes from time for a second yellow-card offence, but the hosts remained firmly in control.
Ronaldo went to the top of the scorers' chart on 21, one goal above Barca's Luis Suarez, by making it 4-1, then Gorka Elustondo pulled a second goal back for Bilbao, who are sixth.
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