Barca make it 14 in a row, Real edge out Bilbao
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-04 09:08

OPEN GAME

Javier Clemente's Bilbao, who are hovering just above the relegation zone in the Primera Liga, were in charge for much of an open and entertaining game at San Mames.

It took fine saves from Real's reserve keeper Diego Lopez to deny the Basque side a first-half lead.

Bilbao also had the better of the opening exchanges in the second half, but Real snatched the lead against the run of play 19 minutes from time when Beckham slid in to meet a fine low pass from Robinho and fire past keeper Daniel Aranzubia into the roof of the net.

Beckham's England colleague Jonathan Woodgate got his first run out in two months after recovering from a hamstring injury when he came on as a substitute for the final 15 minutes.

Real, who were without injured strike duo Ronaldo and Raul, should be able to count on new signing Antonio Cassano for next week's second leg at the Bernabeu.

The Italy striker is set to sign for Real until 2010 after undergoing a medical on Wednesday morning.