Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to extend their lead at the top of La Liga over the weekend and while Barcelona didnt slip up as they beat Villarreal, Real Madrid maintained their four-point lead by seeing off a plucky Athletic Club side.
In the end, there would be just one goal and it would come from the penalty spot for Real Madrid as Sergio Ramos converted after Dani García felled Marcelo inside the box. Ramos duly converted and it was enough to get the three points that the visitors were after.
This tactical analysis will provide analysis of the tactics of Zinedine Zidane and Gaizka Garitano as they clashed in this La Liga fixture at San Mamés.
Line-ups
There had been speculation that Athletic Club would opt to rest key figures for this tie, but it was not the case as Yuri Berchiche recovered from injury in order to start with Rául García starting behind Iñaki Williams in attack and Iker Muniain also starting on the right of midfield.
Real Madrid surprised many with their team selection as Toni Kroos was left out while Marco Asensio and Rodrygo Goes both came into attack. In defence, Éder Militão replaced Raphael Varane after he fell ill in midweek. Significantly, yellow cards for Sergio Ramos and Casemiro mean both will miss the next fixture against Alavés.
