Audio By Carbonatix
Cristiano Ronaldo's 42nd goal of the season prevented Real Madrid from suffering a second successive defeat at the Bernabeu.
Inaki Williams had put Athletic Bilbao ahead with a fine clipped finish.
But Ronaldo, who had earlier hit the crossbar with a header, diverted Luka Modric's shot in with his heel to score his 26th goal in 16 games.
Madrid stay third in La Liga, 15 points behind leaders Barcelona and three points adrift of Atletico in second.
Despite dominating for long periods, it had looked like being a frustrating evening for Zinedine Zidane's team, who squeezed through in the Champions League a week ago despite being beaten at home by Juventus.
Madrid won that quarter-final tie 4-3 on aggregate with a last-minute penalty from Ronaldo.
And the hosts, who had 29 shots on goal, appeared as though they were going to be punished for their profligate finishing, until the Portuguese forward came to their rescue again three minutes from time.
Latest Stories
-
Has the Bill lost part of its force and value? – Ntim Fordjour questions changes to anti-LGBTQ+ bill
5 minutes -
What changed between ‘sign it now’ and ‘amend it first’? — Minority challenges NDC on anti-LGBTQ+ bill
8 minutes -
Ntim Fordjour defends Akufo-Addo’s handling of Anti-gay Bill
15 minutes -
Muntaka begins Volta Regional stakeholder tour to strengthen peace and security
18 minutes -
Government secures 120 job opportunities for Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa
24 minutes -
Road Safety Authority urges caution as rains increase crash risks
26 minutes -
Nigeria’s Obi to run for president again after opposition split
26 minutes -
Mahama hails economic recovery, inflation drop and rising investor confidence in UK
31 minutes -
Mahama calls for a deeper Ghana–UK partnership beyond traditional trade
39 minutes -
Opposition parties call Ethiopia’s 7th election peaceful, free and participatory
43 minutes -
Minority alleges anti-LGBTQ bill was diluted through extensive amendments
50 minutes -
Anti-LGBTQ+Bill contains dozens of changes, but not weaker than the first — Barker-Vormawor
55 minutes -
Egypt’s long wait: Mohamed Salah and the Pharaohs’ reckoning
1 hour -
Do not phase out pesewa coins — CPP to Bank of Ghana
1 hour -
We’ll return to the negotiation table, but accept nothing below 20% – Concerned Drivers Association
1 hour