Athletic Club

Defeat against Real Madrid in final home match of the season

Nacho’s second half strike was the only goal in a match of few chances

Athletic Club lost 0-1 against Real Madrid in the last LaLiga Santander match of the campaign at San Mamés

Real Madrid defender Nacho scored the only goal of the match in the second half, but there were doubts as to whether Karim Benzema tried to touch the ball while in an offside position before the centre-back finished from close range.

Marcelino’s Lions remain in ninth place, which they will have to fight for next week when they face an Elche side in danger of relegation.

Chances were few and far between. Especially in the first half. Athletic’s went closest to taking the lead when Alex Berenguer‘s free-kick went inches wide.

The Lions also had the first clear chance of the second half. A counter led to Oihan Sancet teeing up Jon Morcillo, whose powerful shot was blocked by Thibaut Courtois.

On the hour mark, Casemiro struck the crossbar with a header from a corner and minutes later Nacho scored the decisive goal.

Athletic could have equalised. Asier Villalibre got a foot to Ibai Goméz cross but couldn’t keep it down, and then Mikel Vesga headed wide from Unai López‘s cross.

The match ended with some controversy as referee Mateu Lahoz showed Raúl García a straight red card just before full-time.