Ancelotti pleased as Real Madrid defeat Athletic Bilbao

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal of the season as Real Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-1.

Midfielder Isco opened the scoring in the 26th minute, while Ronaldo headed in a free-kick just before half-time.

Isco then struck again midway through the second half, while Ibai Gomez scored a consolation goal for the visitors, who never really got into the game.

"It was a good game. We didn’t start with much intensity, but after the first fifteen minutes the team started to play with more rhythm. The first half was good," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"I am very pleased. It’s a great squad and I am going to work to make them play better. We will play very well with these footballers. Our defensive performance was also good and we won back a lot of possession in their half. The team is playing well and we have improved in the last fortnight."