Real Madrid's build-up to their mouth-watering Champions League clash next week against Juventus suffered a morale-shattering setback on Saturday when they went down to a 2-0 Spanish League home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Madrid started the match Saturday with Zindedane Zidane, Ronaldo and skipper Raul all on the bench and their talents were sorely missed as they slipped seven points behind in the title race as bitter rivals Barcelona won 2-0 against Real Mallorca.
Defender Asier Del Horno, in the 58th minute and Andoni Iraola, after 73 minutes, gave Bilbao the three points at the Bernabau but Real Madrid were lucky not to have been a goal down at the break.
In the 17th minute, midfielder Roberto Tiko hit a powerful drive which came off the crossbar and beat Iker Casillas in the Real goal. Television replays showed the ball had crossed the line but the referee waved away Bilbao's appeals.
The defeat for Real Madrid was the first experienced by Wanderley Luxemburgo who had overseen seven wins since taking over as coach.
England striker Michael Owen was given a rare start but he was eventually replaced by Ronaldo in the 66th minute.
There were no such problems for leaders Barcelona who have a Champions League date with Chelsea on Wednesday as they beat Real Mallorca 2-0 with both goals coming from Portuguese midfielder Deco.
He struck in the 16th and 57th minutes but Mallorca were cursing a missed opportunity in the first half when Luis Garcia had an 11th minute penalty saved by keeper Victor Valdes.
The foul was given away by experienced defender Carlos Puyol who ended the match injured.