Bilbao: Karim Benzema scored two goals off of Athletic Bilbao's mistakes to lead Real Madrid to a 2-1 win in La Liga action here late Wednesday, a victory that sent the Blancos to the top of the standings.


Real Madrid's French forward Karim Benzema (R) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Athletic Club vs Real Madrid CF at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao. Pic/AFP 

The first goal came in the 19th minute when midfielder Mikel San Jose committed a major blunder by booting the ball back to goal keeper Gorka Iraizoz without gauging the presence of the French striker, who beat the Athletic net minder to the ball and knocked it home.