Real Madrid trounce Bielsa's Athletic Bilbao 5-1

Real Madrid cruised to an easy victory against a struggling Bilbao side. Foto: Getty Images — Real Madrid cruised to an easy victory against a struggling Bilbao side.

Real Madrid thrashed Athletic Bilbao 5-1 ahead of their critical Champions League trip to Manchester City.

Messi started the scoring at Camp Nou Stadium in the 16th. After Zaragoza leveled through Paco Montanes in the 24th, Messi assisted Alex

Bilbao entered Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with the third-worst defense in the league, having allowed 21 goals, and only a strong performance by goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz saved it from a historic rout.

Madrid jumped in front in the 16th when defender Jon Aurtenetxe scored an own goal when trying to stop Karim Benzema from shooting after the France striker latched onto Luka Modric's long pass from deep in his own half.

Sergio Ramos headed in Madrid's second goal at the half-hour mark off when Bilbao left him unmarked to meet Mesut Oezil's free kick.

Benzema, just back from injury, struck two minutes later, spinning inside the area and swerving a superb shot around Iraizoz before Bilbao midfielder Ibai Gomez pulled one back three minutes from halftime.

Benzema crossed for the wide-open Oezil to tap home in the 56th with Bilbao caught totally off-balance.

Substitute Sami Khedira also came back from injury in fine form for Madrid with a goal in the 72nd.