Real Madrid have gone seven points clear at the top of La Liga after a Ruud van Nistelrooy goal put Athletic Bilbao to the sword as Madrid picked up a 1-0 victory to assert their dominance even further at the top of the league.

The Dutch striker notched his seventh goal in 12 appearances this season to lift Real past Bilbao, who jubilantly approached the match following their 3-0 victory over Valencia last week.

Ten minutes after restart, Van Nistelrooy stole possession from a defender and cut inside before firing an unstoppable bullet into the top corner of the net.

Brazilian-born defender Pepe headed home in the first-half from a free kick but his goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

Robinho had a shot denied by the post but Los Merengues managed to held on to their lead.

The Primera Liga holders are in charge of the table with 35 points, seven ahead of Barcelona and Villarreal, who face Deportivo La Coruna and Real Betis respectively.