Real Madrid held to 1-1 draw in Bilbao

Real Madrid lost further ground to Spanish league leaders Real Sociedad on Sunday as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao.

A 2-1 win for Real Sociedad on Saturday clinched the honorary title of winter champions for unbeaten Real Sociedad, taking them six points clear at the top.

Real Madrid, looking to cut that advantage back to three, took the lead in Bilbao with a Ronaldo strike on 56 minutes.

Bilbao stuck to their task, however, to claim an equaliser through Asier del Horno 13 minutes later and leave Real five points behind Real Sociedad in second place at the halfway stage of the season.