La Liga: Real Madrid's lead over Barcelona reduces to 2 points post 0-1 defeat to Bilbao

Spanish giants Real Madrid failed to increase their lead at the top of La Liga table as they were trounced 1-0 by Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Saturday.

Striker Aritz Aduriz put Bilbao ahead in the 26th minute with a powerful header following Mikel Rico's cross.

Real displayed a much-improved game in the second-half half, with Gareth Bale's superb long-range effort almost securing an equalizer but hit the post in the 84th minute.

Following the defeat at San Mames, Real now hold only a two-point advantage over Barcelona and might see the Catalan club overtaking them if the former win Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano at the Nou Camp.