Goals: Van Nistelrooy 55’

Real Madrid has moved seven points clear at the top of the Primera Liga after beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 on Saturday night.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy struck 10 minutes after half-time in a hard-fought encounter in San Mames.

The game was played amid a passionate derby atmosphere and Real was forced to weather a heavy storm of pressure in the early stages.

However, Real's defense stood firm and after Van Nistelrooy scored the champions could have added to the lead late in the game.

Bernd Schuster's side came into the game with a four-point advantage over bitter rivals Barcelona and surprise package Villarreal, who both play on Sunday.

Earlier Saturday, Osasuna and Valencia shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw in Pamplona.

With both teams underperforming this season, each went into the game with a conservative formation and the game produced few chances.

On Sunday, Barcelona hosts Deportivo La Coruna, Getafe visits Atletico Madrid, Levante duels with Recreativo Huelva and Almeria meets Real Valladolid.

Sevilla plays Real Murcia, Racing Santander entertains Real Mallorca, Espanyol visits Real Zaragoza and Villarreal will cross swords with Real Betis.

Athletic Bilbao: Aranzubia; Ustaritz (Orbaiz 40’), Ocio, Amorebieta, Koikili; Iraola, Javi Martínez (Aduriz 59’), Yeste, David López; Etxeberria (Gabilondo 68’), Llorente.

Real Madrid: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Cannavaro, Torres; Sneijder (Gago 74’), Diarra, Baptista, Robinho (Robben 88’); Raúl, Van Nistelrooy (Guti 82’).

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