Bilbao Athletic miss out on promotion

Bilbao Athletic just missed out on promotion to LaLiga Smartbank after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Burgos CF, who went through thanks to an extra-time goal by Saúl Berjón.

In a similar vein to last year against Badajoz, although that time on penalties, Joseba Etxeberria’s side are left with nothing to show after a great campaign.

It was a tense match, with the players always obviously nervous about making a mistake that could cost them the game. The first big chance was for Burgos, with Saúl Berjón heading wide from Juanma.

Bilbao Athletic came out firing after the break. With the exception of Antxon Jaso’s one close-call tackle on Guillermo in the box and a good shot from Eneko Undabarrena that was well cleared by Iru, Bilbao looked the more likely to make something happen.

Víctor San Bartolomé just missed with a header from a great cross by Álvaro Nuñez. Nico Williams had a couple of chances, going especially close after a well-placed cross by Imanol.

It seemed that the passing of time might favoured Joseba Etxeberria’s side, for whom a draw at the end of extra time would never be enough due to the fact Burgos had finished in a higher position in their respective sub-group.

The reserves almost found a winner via a Youssouf Diarra header after a ball into the box by Núñez. The reserves almost found a winner via a Youssouf Diarra header after a ball into the box by Álvaro Núñez.

However, with the game in extra-time, Burgos’ Saúl Berjón latched onto a great ball by Álvaro Rodríguez at the far-post, taking Burgos back into the second division for the first time in 19 years.