Athletic Club - Villarreal CF

Athletic Club drew 1-1 at San Mames against Villarreal CF after the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time. 

Despite a fine performance and a great goal from Oihan Sancet, the two points dropped leaves the Copa heroes four points off fourth place. But with seven games left and Ernesto Valverde's side are very much alive. 

The match officials knew that Yuri Berchiche was stretching out to block Ilias Akhomach's shot and the defender's hand was above his shoulder. It's hard to think the defender was diving to take up space in the moment.

This is the new football. In truth, between two VAR calls that ended in penalties, a refusal to take a look at a shirt-pull on Nico Williams and a more than questionable sending off for Santi Comesaña, the evening was, with all due respect, a shame.

Before the match Javier Clemente's side of '84 and Marcelino's Villarreal gave the new Copa champions a guard of honour.

In the 10th minute, Beñat Prados caught Alex Baena foot accidentally and the referee checked with VAR before awarding a penalty. Gerard Moreno then struck the post. Three minutes later, Dani Vivian dived to the ground to block a Baena effort.

Athletic found it hard to get forward and Sancet had goal ruled out for a dubious offside. 

Comesaña received a second yellow shortly after the restart and Los Leones began to pick things up.

Then came the possible penalty on Nico and Sancet's strike to make it 1-0. It was an excellent goal, Gorka Guruzeta nodding down an Ander Herrera cross before the midfielder volleyed it in.

However, Villarreal did not shirk, Guedes forced Unai Simon into a fine save and then came the key moment. Parejo made no mistake from the spot.