MADRID: Real Madrid took a decisive step towards the Spanish league title when a penalty coversion from captain Sergio Ramos brought a 1-0 victory in Bilbao.

Ramos was on target from the penalty in Madrid’s previous win over Getafe and his 73rd-minute strike was his a fifth goal in seven matches.

Coach Zinedine Zidane said: “Sergio is a specialist, he stays behind after training to practise penalties and his ability in taking them gives us a real boost.”

Ramos said: “I feel most comfortable during moments of the highest tension so I think I’m the ideal person to take on the responsibility at a moment like this. The only thing I was thinking about when taking the penalty was how important it was to get the three points.”

Bilbao have beaten champions Barcelona twice at hone this season in both league and cup.

Zidane’s side missed two good first-half openings time through Rodrygo and Karim Benzema but broke through after Marcelo was tripped by Dani Garcia. VAR confirmed the penalty which Ramos converted.

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