Ronaldo scored with a backheel, saving Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Facing a mid-table opponent, coach Zinedine Zidane fielded almost Real's strongest starting lineup. Ronaldo and Benzema partnered up front, while Modric, Kroos, Asensio, and Lucas Vazquez provided support from behind.

Thanks to their familiar cohesive style of play, Real quickly put pressure on Bilbao. In the ninth minute, Ronaldo had a diving header inside the penalty area that hit the crossbar and bounced out. The Portuguese star also created another dangerous situation, dribbling the ball and curling a shot just wide of the post.

Not one to be easily outplayed, Bilbao managed to mount several counter-attacks. The visitors even took the lead earlier, unexpectedly opening the scoring in the 14th minute. From a through ball, Inaki Williams raced down the wing and chipped the ball skillfully over goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

Williams chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to open the scoring for Bilbao.

The early goal forced Real to play with more focus. However, overcoming Bilbao's defense and goalkeeper Kepa was no easy task. Towards the end of the first half, Kepa made two excellent saves when faced with a low shot from Ronaldo inside the penalty area and a long-range volley from Marcelo.

The second half unfolded similarly to the first 45 minutes. Real played better but couldn't break down Bilbao's defense. Goalkeeper Kepa continued to stand firm against shots from Ronaldo, Modric, and Asensio.

Real's attacks often lack a bit of precision in their finishing.

Facing the risk of defeat, coach Zidane had to bring on Isco and Bale in the 69th minute. The presence of these two dribbling specialists made Real's attacks more varied.

Living up to the fans' expectations, Real's efforts paid off in the 87th minute. From Modric's angled shot into the penalty area, Ronaldo executed a backheel flick, changing the ball's direction and sending it into the net.

Ronaldo once again played the role of savior for Real Madrid. Photo: Reuters

Without losing at home, Real Madrid maintained their third place in La Liga with 68 points. The defending champions are now three points ahead of fourth-placed Valencia, and three points behind second-placed Atletico (who have played one fewer game).

With Real Madrid currently 15 points behind Barca (with five games remaining), they are virtually out of the running for champions. This would happen if Real dropped more points, or if Barca drew or won one more game.

Thanh Quy