Sergio García sees Espanyol into eighth

RCD Espanyol downed Athletic Club 1-0 on matchday 31 of Liga BBVA, meaning the Catalan outfit have now won two on the spin and climb up to eighth, while the Basque side slip below them to ninth.

The first half was very even. Both sides were looking to make their mark, however there were very few opportunities created. It was five minutes before the whistle before the game's first chance, which also brought about the winning goal. A Víctor Álvarez pass over the top of the defence allowed Sergio García a one-on-one with Gorka Iraizoz, and the striker held his nerve to open the scoring.

The half time whistle allowed Athletic to change their approach, and they started off with the clear intention of coming back into the game. A Carlos Gurpegui header was their first chance, and they came close to levelling things as Ibai Gómez tested out Kiko Casilla. Despite their best efforts, Ernesto Valverde's men could not find a way past an Espanyol side who took all three points from the Power8 Stadium.