Aritz Aduriz scored the only goal of the match as Athletic Bilbao beat Real Madrid 1-0 in La Liga on Saturday evening.

Aduriz's header after 26 minutes proved the winner, with Real Madrid struggling for long spells.

The visitors remain top of the table, but they are now just two points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Bilbao, meanwhile, have moved into eighth position with the famous win.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each individual performed at San Mames.

BILBAO

Goal

Gorka Iraizoz: Did not have an awful lot to do, but made a couple of smart saves when called upon. Was also very strong from crosses, of which there were many in the second period. (7/10)

Defence

Oscar de Marcos: Started at right-back and formed an excellent partnership with Andoni Iraola. Helped keep the Real Madrid attack quiet during a strong performance. (7/10)

Carlos Gurpegi: Got caught for pace on a couple of occasions, but made some excellent challenges and was strong in the air. Such an experienced head. (7/10)

Xabier Etxeita: Picked up a booking towards the end of the first period, but was not afraid to make challenges thereafter. Made some crucial blocks throughout the match. (8/10)

Mikel Balenziaga: Would have been forgiven for being more defensive in the second period, but the full-back continued to break forward during an energetic performance. (7/10)

Midfield

Benat: Had a super match in the middle of the park. Was rested against Espanyol in the Copa del Rey, but returned with a composed performance here. (8/10)

Mikel Rico: Was absolutely everywhere during a man-of-the-match performance. Assisted Aduriz for the goal and worked his socks off for the cause. (9/10)

Andoni Iraola: Continued in a midfield position and linked brilliantly with De Marcos. Used all of his experience to provide an extra defensive body in the latter stages. (7/10)

Attack

Iker Muniain: Put in a good shift, but was ultimately the most disappointing of the Bilbao attackers. Was replaced by Markel Susaeta just past the hour mark. (6/10)

Aritz Aduriz: Secured all the points with a sensational header. Might have had another late on, but rattled the post. Radiated class each time that he had possession of the ball. (8/10)

Inaki Williams: His standing ovation 15 minutes from time said it all. Never stopped working and made an excellent contribution at both ends of the field. (8/10)

Substitutes

Markel Susaeta: Was not too involved during his 25-minute cameo, but the Spaniard helped protect his midfield and defence in the latter stages of the match. (6/10)

Guillermo: Replaced the excellent Williams after 75 minutes and helped ease some of the late pressure with a number of clever runs. (6/10)

Gaizka Toquero: Only given the final two minutes and hardly touched the ball. (5/10)

REAL MADRID

Goal

Iker Casillas: Did not have an awful lot to do in terms of saves, while he was beaten comfortably for the goal. Cannot really be blamed for his team's struggles at San Mames. (6/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Plenty of running in the final third, but the right-back lost possession on too many occasions. Also found Williams difficult to contain at times. (6/10)

Pepe: Won a couple of battles with the dangerous Bilbao front two, but lost some too. Far from his side's worst player on the night. (6/10)

Raphael Varane: Used his pace to escape a number of dangerous situations and overall, had a pretty good game. Benefitting from a regular run in the team. (6/10)

Marcelo: One of Real Madrid's better players at San Mames. Helped set up a couple of excellent chances and was always a threat down the left. (7/10)

Midfield

Asier Illarramendi: Somewhat surprisingly started ahead of Lucas Silva and the Spaniard struggled against the Bilbao midfield. Was replaced after 71 minutes. (5/10)

Isco: Has been in such fine form in the last couple of months, but this was an off day for the Spaniard. Nothing the midfielder tried really came off. (5/10)

Toni Kroos: Looks in need of a rest. Tidy enough in possession, but did not do the necessary work in terms of running. Was subbed for Silva late on. (5/10)

Attack

Gareth Bale: Hit the post with an excellent long-range effort late on and created a couple of good chances in the second period. Probably his side's best attacker. (6/10)

Karim Benzema: Had a bit of a stinker. Only really had one chance and Iraizoz made a fairly comfortable save. Looks to be lacking a bit of confidence at the moment. (5/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Disappointing afternoon for the attacker, who failed to make his mark. Showed his frustration on a number of occasions in the second period. (5/10)

Substitutes

Jese Rodriguez: Continues to be given minutes in his return from a long-term injury, but the Spaniard again found it difficult to make a late contribution here. (5/10)

Lucas Silva: Fired high and wide of the Bilbao crossbar in stoppage time, much to the frustration of his teammates. Was a touch surprising when he replaced Kroos. (5/10)

Javier Hernandez: Replaced Benzema after 80 minutes, but could not make an impact. Always works hard, but had little service. (5/10)