Real Madrid ended a miserable week when they went down to a heavy 4-2 defeat away to an
inspired Athletic Bilbao in the Primera Liga today.
The champions, who were dealt a shock 3-2 extra-time defeat by Real Zaragoza in the final of the King's Cup on Wednesday, trailed Bilbao 2-0 after midfielder Francisco Yeste and Ismael Urzaiz scored quick-fire goals late in the first half.
Real looked as though they might stage a comeback when skipper Raul netted immediately after the restart and then put his side on level terms with another close-range strike 16
minutes later.
But Bilbao refused to give way and punished Real for some poor defending when left back Asier del Horno scored two classy goals in two minutes midway through the second half.
Real's four-point lead at the top of the table could be reduced to just one if second-placed Valencia win their match at home to Real Mallorca on Sunday.