Unai Gomez gets reward for Athletic's determination

A diving header from Unai Gomez in the last minute of stoppage time saw Athletic Club defeat UD Las Palmas 1-0 at a vibrant San Mames.

The Bermeo native sent the ball out to Iñaki Williams on the wing before racing into the box to pounce on the rebound off visiting keeper Álvaro Valles. Goméz went full stretch to get his second goal in front of the North Stand, a place where until recently he would cheer on the Lions. Today they chanted his name.

Despite fighting hard for it, the Zurigorri fully earned this significant victory. Athletic now have 35 points, with their eyes on fourth place, after beating a complicated opponent. Los Leones could have gone ahead in the 13th minute after a nice exchange between Oihan Sancet and Iñaki Williams, but Valles - who was brilliant all night - kept the Lions out.

Not long later, the referee overturned his decision to award a soft penalty for an Aitor Paredes coming together with Marvin Park in the box.

However, he did go to the spot in the 38th minute when brought down Gorka Guruzeta in the 18-yard box. Just like against Atlético, at the same end, Athletic missed. In this case, it was Gorka  who took the responsibility. Vallés went the right way.

Only Munir threatened for Las Palmas before half-time. And after the break, there only real chance was a Sandro effort which drew an acrobatic save from Unai Simón.

Athletic kept pressing for a goal and the crowd urged them on in a final charge. The Williams brothers and Alex Berenguer all went close.

We had another shout for a possible handball, but the referee didn't give it. In the end it didn't matter, the Lions found their just reward in that dazzling act of faith. Christmas is red and white thanks to Ernesto Valverde's brave team. 

Although there are still 20 games left to go, Athletic are well placed in the race for Europe. Let's enjoy it, Athleticzales.