Athletic continue their unstoppable march

Athletic Club beat UD Almería 2-1 on matchday 28 in the Liga BBVA, giving Ernesto Valverde’s side their fifth consecutive victory which leaves them five points from the European spots. The Andalusians meanwhile, with 25 points, are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

The Bilbao side gave their opponents few chances in the game and came out with a lot of intensity and took the lead in the opening 10 minutes thanks to Xabi Etxeita’s header from Beñat Etxebarria’s corner. Ibai Gómez tried to add a second shortly afterwards but his venomous shot smashed against the crossbar. Athletic did not cease in their search for a second goal  and found it through Mikel Rico, who spotted Julián Cuesta off his line and crafted a clever chip over the goalkeeper’s head to make it 2-0.

Almería could have reduced the deficit through Tomer Hemed but Gorka Iraizoz was equal to the effort. From then on the Basques kept on pelting Julián’s goal and the goalkeeper did well to keep the score at 2-0 going into the break.

No sooner had the second half started when a shot from Welington Silva deflected off Mikel Balenziaga and beyond Iraizoz and into the net to put Juan Ignacio Martínez’s side back in the game.

But Valverde’s side did not let their guard drop and Iñaki Williams, one of the best performers on the night, continued to create danger down the right hand side. The hosts took their foot off the gas towards the end of the game but they pick up another victory which takes them closer to qualifying for Europe again.