APL

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 4-2 to go a point behind league leaders Barcelona.

Ronaldo scored his 20th La Liga goal of the season as he curled home Real's opener after just two minutes.

Athletic levelled when Javier Eraso side-footed in but James Rodriguez made it 2-1 with a long-range strike.

Toni Kroos added a third just before half-time and after Raphael Varane had been sent off, Ronaldo scored again before GorkaElustondo's late header.

The win lifted Real above Atletico Madrid into second place in the table, although Atletico and Barcelona both play on Sunday.

Real remain unbeaten under Coach ZinedineZidane after winning their seventh successive home league game.