Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo was sent-off as Real Madrid lost ground in the La Liga title race with a 1-1 draw away to Athletic Bilbao.
Atletico Madrid became outright leaders for the first time since their double winning season in 1996 earlier on Sunday with a 4-0 win over Real Sociedad.
The draw moves Real level with Barcelona, who suffered a shock defeat at home to Valencia on Saturday, three points behind Atletico.
However, after Ibai Gomez had spectacularly equalised, Ronaldo was shown a soft red card for lashing out at Carlos Gurpegi.
The visitors did finally find a way through 25 minutes from time as Benzema fed Ronaldo on the left and his low cross was turned home on the stretch by Jese.
Real’s lead lasted just nine minutes as Gomez made a stunning introduction as a substitute as with his second touch he fired an effort from 20 yards in off the inside of the post.
Madrid were then left to hold on for a point when Ronaldo saw red after a coming together with Gurpegi after having a penalty appeal turned down.
Earlier, Atletico moved top on an emotional evening at the Vicente Calderon, as former players and fans paid their tributes to former Spain and Atletico player and coach Luis Aragones, who died on Saturday, before the match.
After a quiet start, the hosts went in front seven minutes before the break when David Villa finished off a fine team move for his 12th goal of the season.
Villa’s joy didn’t last long, though, as he had to be substituted just two minutes later after pulling up with a muscular injury.
The home fans then gave Diego a hero’s welcome as he replaced Jose Sosa.
Diego Costa made sure of the three points 18 minutes from time when he coolly slotted Raul Garcia’s through ball into the far corner.
Atletico struck again just two minutes later as Miranda rose highest to power home Koke’s corner.
And Diego rounded off the scoring when he showed great poise inside the Sociedad box before blasting high into the roof of the net. (AFP)
