Karim Benzema's double gives Real Madrid an eight-point lead over Athletic Bilbao

ESPN

Benzema scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in LaLiga on Wednesday night before thesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more

With a stunning strike from just outside the box in the fourth minute, Benzema reached the 400-goal mark in his professional career. He then added a second when an Athletic defender missed a clearance just three minutes later.

Benzema was described by Ancelotti as "a great forward, a great captain, a great man, a very dignified person, very humble."

As Real entered mid-season break without losing a match in any competition, they extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches in all competitions despite missing eight players due to an outbreak of COVID-19 in the club.

"It's an important win against a difficult team in a fantastic stadium, three points that are valuable for the table, but we'll rest and recover those who were not here today," Ancelotti said.

"Today two or three players have tested negative. They haven't shown any symptoms, so I think they'll all be ready."

In a highly entertaining first half at San Mames, neither team scored again, with Carlo Ancelotti's side leading 2-1 at the break.

Real Madrid extended their lead in LaLiga to eight points over Sevilla, who have a game in hand, in the second half, although Bilbao kept playing end-to-end.

Bilbao supporters applauded Benzema when he was subbed off in a rare gesture of goodwill between rival teams.

Benzema said after the match, "I like this kind of football, at a great stadium like this, it makes me happy." But the victory makes me even happier and prouder, since we know they're a difficult team to beat.

"It went well for us against a strong opponent. We conceded a goal, but we scored two goals and it's three points for us."

Eden Hazard was given the chance to prove himself to the team due to the absence of Luka Modric, Casemiro, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale.

Three months after being out of the starting eleven, he made his second consecutive start. After finding his stride, Belgium's forward led most of Real's attacking moves.

Ancelotti said: "Yes, Hazard fits the team. I thought he played well. We were worried about his physical performance, but he fought, he's back, I agree."