Real Madrid 3-1 Athletic Club: Player Ratings as Los Blancos Earn Crucial Win

Real Madrid scraped past ten-man Athletic Bilbao thanks to a late brace from star-man Karim Benzema.

The visitors played most of the game with 10 men after veteran midfielder Raul Garcia was given a second yellow card in the 13th minute of the game. It took Zinedine Zidane's side a while to get going though, before Toni Kroos' low drive from the edge of the box found the bottom corner in first half injury time.

Athletic Club equalised through Ander Capa early in the second half as his initial shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois, but he trickled home the rebound. Madrid pressed forward following that but struggled to really create any clear chances before Benzema headed home from Dani Carvajal's cross 16 minutes from time.

Athletic almost grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time but a fine Courtois save denied them, and Real Madrid counter attacked straight up the other end for Benzema to slam a third into the far corner and wrap up the points.

Here are the player ratings for their win on Tuesday night:

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - 7/10 - A huge save at the end of the game showed his importance as he not only saved a point, but then started the attack for the third goal. Still one of the best.

Dani Carvajal (RB) - 8/10 - The world class right back returned from injury last week and has been excellent since. A fantastic delivery for Benzema's first goal of the game.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 6/10 - Looks far more comfortable alongside Sergio Ramos and didn't have much to do against the ten men of Athletic.

Sergio Ramos (CB) - 7/10 - Captain fantastic was a threat in the opposition box as usual and did well defensively.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - 6/10 - Pretty standard performance from the Frenchman and did what we've come to expect of him.

2. Midfielders

Federico Valverde (CM) - 5/10 - Not his best game as he played slightly ahead of the two tempo-setters. Was substituted just after the hour mark.

Luka Modric (CM) - 7/10 - The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner has rediscovered his best form in recent weeks and was progressive and effective again. Got the assist for Benzema's second goal.

Toni Kroos (CM) - 8/10 - A top performance from the German as he got a goal and was central to everything good the champions did.

3. Forwards

Lucas Vazquez (RW) - 5/10 - A quiet night for the Spaniard as he struggled to make a real impact in the opposition half.

Vinicius Jr (LW) - 6/10 - Struggled up against Capa but did assist Kroos' opener.

Karim Benzema (ST) - 9/10 - Best player on the pitch once again. Two key goals, excellent link up play and led by example from the front. One of the world's best.

4. Substitutes

Marco Asensio (LW) - 5/10

Isco (CM) - 5/10

Rodrygo (RW) - N/A