A Karim Benzema brace in a 2-1 victory away to Athletic Bilbao has sent Real Madrid to the top of La Liga.

Benzema got his first of the tie in the first half by pouncing on a Mikel San Jose backpass before firing past Gorka Iraizoz in the Bilbao goal.

Both sides created several chances in the opening period; Keylor Navas denied Aritz Aduriz's diving header before Iraizoz managed to keep out a point-blank strike from Mateo Kovacic.

Early in the second half Bilbao felt that they had a genuine penalty shout as Pepe, who had been booked minutes earlier, was perceived to block an Aduriz effort in the box with his hand, but the referee denied Ernesto Valverde's side a spot kick.

Bilbao levelled the match after 67 minutes as Sabin Merino diverted his header past Navas from a Markel Susaeta cross.

Rafael Benitez's men replied immediately through Benzema, who finished from close range after a Luka Modric reverse pass allowed Isco to tee up the France striker.

Aduriz missed the chance to bring Bilbao level soon after as he volleyed an effort inside the box straight at Navas.

Navas tipped a Raul Garcia header onto the crossbar a minute from time to ensure that his side left San Mames with all three points.

Real Madrid move to the top of the La Liga table after Barcelona were beaten by Celta Vigo earlier on Wednesday evening.