Real Madrid won their 12th Super Cup trophy in Saudi Arabia, thanks to goals from Luka Modric and Karim Benzema.
Modric curled in a stunning first-half goal at Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium.
Benzema then made it 2-0 with a penalty after a spot-kick for handball granted by the video assistance referee.
The striker’s shot had struck Yeray Alvarez, who was making the block with his arms outstretched.
Real were also penalized late in the game for a handball, while Eder Militao was dismissed for blocking a shot, and Bilbao was granted a penalty.
Thibaut Courtois, though, made a brilliant stop with his leg to deny Raul Garcia a late comeback for Athletic, who won the cup last year.
Real Madrid’s victory brings them within one of the rivals Barcelona’s record 13 Super Cup victories.