Frozen stiff. That is how San Mamés felt after Athletic let what seemed a clear victory -thanks to a goal from Williams- slip away. It was a most unfortunate fluke own goal, where Simón failed to grasp the ball and it ended up hitting Iñigo Martínez’s head, making the lions lose two precious points. They are now leading the wagon of those teams chasing European positions. It was another missed occasion.

The red-and-white side got off to a flying start to the game, playing with fluency. As a result, scoring chances were falling like drops of rain: two headers from Córdoba and Yeray preceded an extremely clear chance from Raúl García, after an amazing sprint by Muniain. This time his shot was repelled by Masip, who would be decisive.

Real Valladolid barely had any opportunities in the first half, with the exception of a one-to-one between Enes Ünal and Yeray that Simón saved. Athletic’s goal, which is the second one scored by Williams this season, arrived after an incredible run by Iñaki, who sprinted for a long pass performed by Unai López. He had the coldness to get past Masip, halting abruptly to avoid rushing under Olivas pressure. It was a classy play.

The team from Valladolid hardly did any damage with Nacho’s repeated attempts, but it was in one of them that they got the prized equaliser, on 71 minutes. After Míchel threatened the goal with a volley, well blocked by the red-and-white goalkeeper, Muniain had the opportunity to win on his right foot. Once again, his strike was cleared by Masip’s dive.

Athletic Club1 : 1Real Valladolid CF