More controversy as Real win in Bilbao

Real Madrid moved another step closer to the La Liga title on Sunday when a second half Sergio Ramos penalty gave them a 1-0 win away to Athletic Club Bilbao, reported Xinhua.

The win puts Real Madrid seven points clear of FC Barcelona, who now have no option but to win in Villarreal late on Sunday night, otherwise the title is destined for the Spanish capital.

Once again, however, Real Madrid's win was surrounded in controversy with the referee Gonzalez Gonzalez consulting the VAR to determine that Athletic Club midfielder Dani Garcia had stepped on Madrid left back Marcelo in the penalty area.

Ramos made no mistake from the spot even though the home keeper Unai Simon guessed correctly.

Five minutes after Madrid's goal, there was a similar incident in the visitors' area when Sergio Ramos clearly stepped on Athletic Club forward, Raul Garcia. However, although the two incidents were virtually similar, this time the referee played on and didn't go to check the VAR.

"Raul Garcia was also stepped on and they didn't check it... We've seen in favor of which team they have taken their decisions," commented Athletic Club captain Iker Muniain after the game.

Until the penalty, it had been an even game of few clear chances, with Athletic losing defender Yeray Alvarez to a first half injury that will probably end his season.