Aitor Karanka knows Real Madrid can't afford mistakes if they are to catch Barcelona

Real Madrid assistant coach Aitor Karanka knows his team cannot afford to make any mistakes as they continued their pursuit of Primera Division leaders Barcelona with a 5-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao.

Benzema also came in for praise, with Karanka highlighting the Frenchman's all-round game. "We know what he gives us: his passing, movement up front... When he scores, it's perfect. "But he is a player who connects very well with others, leaving spaces to get the ball, to take a touch and support his team-mates. "Today he made crosses, shots... We all know how Karim plays." Of Luka Modric, who arrived in the summer from English Premier League side Tottenham, he added: "Everyone knows the quality he has and with a team like this he is going to get better. "Today he made a great pass to Karim for the first goal and every day he is getting better." Explaining the non-appearance of Michael Essien - another summer arrival, from Chelsea - Karanka added he was being allowed to "get over the niggles".