Leaders Real beaten by Aduriz header for Bilbao

Monday, 9 March 2015 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: La Liga leaders Real Madrid suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at mid-table Athletic Bilbao on Saturday after a bullet header from Aritz Aduriz in the first half secured the points. Aduriz outjumped defender Pepe to power a Mikel Ri

co cross into the top corner after 26 minutes of a frenetic first-half. “The game was lost in the first half when Athletic scored and then in the second half we were unable to get back into the match,” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference. “It is not a physical problem as in the second half we had a lot of the ball but we were unable to create clear chances.” Real have taken just one point from their last two games and, although they are two points clear, will be overhauled if Barcelona beat visitors Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. “The league is difficult now but it was also difficult when we had a four-point lead,” Real midfielder Isco told reporters. “There is a long way to go and there are a lot of games. Things didn’t go well today but they can change from one moment to another. Our heads are a bit down now but that can change quickly.” Real were denied time on the ball by Bilbao, who are on a high after booking a place in the King’s Cup final with victory over Espanyol on Wednesday.