Simón and Williams keep the Champions League dream alive

Athletic Club relied on two leaders, Unai Simón and Iñaki Williams, to keep our Champions League dream alive as we beat Getafe 0-2 in Madrid.

With Mallorca vs Atlético still to be played, the Lions are three points off fourth place after conquering the difficult Coliseum stadium with blood, sweat and tears. Our two goals came from the elder Williams and Simón made eight saves, including a penalty.

Athletic had the game in hand at 0-2 after a great goal from outside the area by Iñaki and another on the counter, both assisted by Nico Williams. Simón stopped Mason Greenwood from making it 1-1 an exhibition save and the second goal seemed to seal the game.

However, a red card for Yeray made everything much more difficult. The defender caught a pass with his hand after slipping while attempting to cover ground after a Beñat Prados error.

The only thing left to do was to hold out against a Getafe side that came out all guns blazing, especially after Aitor Paredes was shown a second yellow for another lapse of concentration. The referee, Jesús Gil Manzano, had shown him a first yellow for protesting a clear foul on Simón.

Athletic held the line with nine men and then came moment that fired up the Lions. Gil Manzano gave Getafe a penalty for a Raúl García handball, even though the striker arm seemed to be close to his body.

Ernesto Valverde was incensed and the referee sent him off too. Unai Simón came to the fore again, making a third key penalty save of the season as he denied Greenwood. Athletic defended resolutely as they held on for all three points.

The bill comes at a high price. Athletic will face Osasuna next week without two centre-backs and without Valverde, but the prize, the foothold in the Champions League race, tastes fantastic.

Athletic's spectacular fans, who played a great supporting role, celebrated it like a trophy.