Real Madrid have moved to the top of La Liga following a 2-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday.

Karim Benzema sent the visitors 1-0 ahead in the 19th minute, but Bilbao were level 23 minutes from time when Sabin Merino headed home at the far post.

Benzema netted a second in the 70th minute, however, to secure three vital points for Los Blancos.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at how each player performed at San Mames.

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BILBAO

Goal

Gorka Iraizoz: Was left exposed by his defenders for both of Benzema's goals and made a number of excellent saves on what was a fine performance from the experienced stopper. (8/10)

Defence

Oscar de Marcos: Was heavily involved in the first period as Bilbao built a number of attacks down the right, but the Spaniard's delivery was not always the best. Has more quality than he showed. (6/10)

Aymeric Laporte: Was aerially dominant at both ends of the field and his presence helped set up a number of Bilbao chances. That said, might have done a little bit better on Benzema's second. (7/10)

Xabier Etxeita: Did a good job of containing Cristiano Ronaldo in the first period and continued to perform to a high level in the second 45 minutes. Had a solid game in central defence. (7/10)

Mikel Balenziaga: Struggled to get into the game in the first half, but did improve in the second when Bilbao saw more of the ball. Like De Marcos, however, his delivery was inconsistent. (6/10)

Midfield

Benat: Worked extremely hard in the middle of the park, while his delivery from dead-ball situations was also very impressive. Can be pleased with his performance on a personal level. (7/10)

Mikel San Jose: Cost his team the first goal of the match when his poor back-pass went straight to Benzema. Struggled to make his mark in midfield and was replaced for the final 20 minutes. (5/10)

Raul Garcia: As expected, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was fired up against Los Blancos. Picked up a booking during an all-action display and had a couple of good opportunities. (7/10)

Attack

Markel Susaeta: Caused Marcelo problems down the right and set up his team's goal with a super cross. Was somewhat surprisingly withdrawn for the final 10 minutes of action. (7/10)

Aritz Aduriz: Already has nine goals to his name this season and will feel that he should have moved into double figures here. Caused a whole host of problems, just could not find the back of the net. (7/10)

Sabin Merino: Struggled to get into the game for long spells of the first period, but was a different player after the break and levelled the scores with a super diving header. (7/10)

Substitutes

Mikel Rico: Came as a surprise when the Spaniard was not selected from the start and he provided plenty of energy when he replaced San Jose for the final 20 minutes of action. (6/10)

Ibai Gomez: Replaced Susaeta late on as Ernesto Valverde looked for fresh legs in the final third, but the Spaniard's only real involvement was picking up a booking three minutes after entering. (6/10)

Kike Sola: Hardly had a touch in the final five minutes. (6/10)

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REAL MADRID

Goal

Keylor Navas: Finally conceded in the league this season, but had another excellent game between the sticks. Made a whole host of stops in the second half under strong pressure from the hosts. (8/10)

Defence

Dani Carvajal: Has been given a chance to regain the right-back role following Danilo's injury and the Spaniard had another strong game here. Defensively sound and a threat going forward. (7/10)

Raphael Varane: Quickly emerging into one of the best centre-backs in the world. Headed everything away late on and his pace and ability on the ball really shone through at San Mames. (8/10)

Pepe: No longer first choice at the Bernabeu, but showed that he is still an excellent defender at this level. Defended superbly alongside Varane as the two centre-backs repelled late Bilbao pressure. (8/10)

Marcelo: Once again showed why he is considered one of the best left-backs in the world. Caused Bilbao a whole host of problems in the final third and also showed his defensive ability late on. (8/10)

Midfield

Mateo Kovacic: Had two excellent chances to find the back of the net in the latter stages of the first period, but could not beat Iraizoz. The misses took nothing away from what was an excellent performance. (8/10)

Luka Modric: Was not as involved in the final third as previous games, but the Croatian performed a key defensive role for his team. Used his intelligence to take up a number of good positions. (7/10)

Toni Kroos: Such a classy player in possession of the ball. Like Modric, was not overly involved going forward for long spells, but he kept things ticking over nicely in the middle of the park. (7/10)

Attack

Isco: Was deployed in a wide position, but still managed to pick up plenty of possession in central positions. Set up Benzema for the Frenchman's second with an excellent low cross. (7/10)

Karim Benzema: Has started the season in excellent form and his brace at San Mames secured all the points for the visitors. Was in the right place at the right time to finish. (9/10)

Cristiano Ronaldo: Had a frustrating night at San Mames. Might have found the back of the net three or four times, but did not have his shooting boots on. That said, was always a threat. (7/10)

Substitutes

Jese Rodriguez: Will have been disappointed not to have started due to Gareth Bale's absence, but the Spaniard's pace proved a key part of Real Madrid's plan in the final 20 minutes. (7/10)

Casemiro: Lost out to Kovacic in the XI, but was combative and energetic during the final 10 minutes. Will be an important squad player for Rafael Benitez this season. (6/10)

Lucas Vasquez: Was not introduced until the 89th minute. (6/10)