Mateo Kovacic was delighted with his start for Real Madrid in victory at Athletic Bilbao.

The midfielder felt Real showed good character for the win.

"It was a very tough match but in the end we got what we came here for, a win and three points," said Kovacic.

"We played very well in the first half, not so well in the second, and Athletic made things extremely difficult for us through the pressure their defenders put on us. I'd like to thank Rafa Benítez for the trust he placed in me; I really enjoyed playing tonight's match. I'm very happy."