Real Madrid rode a pair of Karim Benzema goals to victory over Athletic Bilbao as LaLiga called off play for 2021 on Wednesday night ahead of the holiday break.
Benzema scored twice in the first seven minutes of the game, but the hosts halved the lead with a goal from Ohan Sanset.
Benzema broke the 400-goal mark in his professional career with a surprise strike from just outside the box in the fourth minute before adding another three minutes later when an athletic defender missed the clearance.
Ancelotti said of Benzema after the match: "What a forward, what a captain, a great player, a great man, a very strong personality, he is very humble, he is a top, top man."
Real, who were missing eight players at the club due to a COVID-19 outbreak as well as suspended midfielder Casemiro, extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 matches as they reached the mid-season. had reached the break.
"It's an important win against a tough team in a great stadium, those three points are very high on the table, but now we'll rest and fix the ones that weren't here today," Ancelotti said.
"Today we have two or three players who have tested negative, they don't have symptoms, so I think when we come back, they should all be ready."
Despite a fiery start, neither team again scored a very entertaining goal in the first half at San Mames, with Carlo Ancelotti's side taking a 2–1 lead at the break.
Play continued in the second half, but Bilbao could not find a way back in the match and Real Madrid took an eight-point lead over second-placed Sevilla in LaLiga, with a game in hand.
Benzema was applauded by Bilbao supporters when he was removed in a rare gesture of goodwill between rival teams.
"I love this kind of football, in such a great stadium, it makes me happy," Benzema said after the match. "But the win makes me even happier and more proud, we know they are a tough team, it's good to win here.
"It was a good game for us against a very good opponent. We conceded one goal but we scored two and that's three points for us."
With Luka Modric, Casemiro, Rodrigo, Marco Asensio and Gareth Bale all missing, it gave Eden Hazard a chance to prove his worth for the team.
He made his second consecutive start after being out of the starting XI for three months. The Belgian forward quickly found his stride to lead the majority of Real's attacking moves.
Ancelotti said: "Yes, Hazard fits into the team. Personally he played well in this game. We had doubts about the physical side but he did well, he fought, he's back, yes, I I agree."