Athletic Bilbao extended their impressive LaLiga form, winning 2-0 against Villarreal, thus extending their unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions. This win also pushed them to a higher position in the table, three points away from third-placed Atlético Madrid.
Early Breakthrough For Athletic
The match started with great hopes as the match was considered a battle between the fourth and fifth-placed teams in LaLiga, with Athletic Bilbao three points behind Atlético. The hosts dominated the game right from the start, leading 1-0 in the 14th minute. Aitor Paredes, unmarked inside the box, rose above the defenders to head home Íñigo Ruiz de Galarreta’s well-delivered corner.
Villarreal’s Disallowed Goal
Villarreal thought they had levelled five minutes later when Pape Gueye expertly cushioned a free-kick from Álex Baena into the far corner. However, VAR ruled that Gueye was marginally offside, and the goal was disallowed. This setback left the visitors frustrated, but they pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
Athletic’s Attack Rejected By Villarreal’s Keeper
Despite this, Villarreal continued to push for the equalizer, but Athletic’s Iñaki Williams was inches away from doubling the lead in the first half. Williams’ flicked finish, though well-executed, was superbly kept out by Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Conde, who dived to tip the ball wide.
Williams Scores Again To Seal The Game
The game remained nail-bitingly tight, but Athletic did extend their lead in the 68th minute when Oihan Sancet provided Williams with an excellent through ball; with composure, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner to finally make it 2-0. Initially, it seemed a nice finish, but replays told a different story-the goalkeeper Conde had twisted his knee as he tried to block the shot, after his studs got stuck into the turf.
Villarreal’s Struggles Continue
This is, however a new setback to a miserable trip for Villarreal that got knocked out from Copa del Rey midweek against a fourth-tier team of Pontevedra. Not having a place in Europe in this term, La Liga table climbs have remained their lone focus at hand and get themselves closer to the group stage’s later end with Bilbao.
Athletic’s Impressive Run
This victory extends the impressive form that Athletic Bilbao has maintained under manager Ernesto Valverde, having gone 11 games unbeaten. Their eyes remain firmly on the top of the table as the win also keeps them ahead of Villarreal in LaLiga and maintains the momentum with which the season has progressed so far.
What Next For Bilbao?
Athletic Bilbao now face the challenge of maintaining such consistency and targeting a European qualification spot. Villarreal, meanwhile, will look to bounce back quickly while focusing on their La Liga campaign with their Copa del Rey dreams already dashed.
