Athletic Club - RCD Espanyol

Athletic Club move to within one point European places after a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Espanyol at San Mamés on Monday night.

The visitors took an early lead, but the Lions fought back and thanks to goals from Oihan Sancet and Iñigo Martínez were in the driving seat just 12 minutes after going behind.

It was Tonny Vilhena who put Espanyol ahead with a powerful strike in the third minute. But Athletic’s morale was high and they equalised two minutes later with a perfect finish from Sancet, who scored after being played through by a clever Raúl García pass. Initially the assisant referee flagged for offside, but a quick VAR check soon saw the goal stand.

Things didn’t stop there though. Ten minutes later, Alex Berenguer‘s free-kick took ricochet off the wall, before centre-back Dani Vivian volleyed it across goal for his defensive partner Iñigo Martínez to head home at the back post.

Athletic could have made it 3-1 shortly before the break, with Berenguer having a great chance. The winger cut back on to his left-footed inside the box, in a similar move to his unforgettable goal against Real Madrid, but was denied by an opponent’s boot.

Chances were few and far between in the second half, but Athletic defended their lead with confidence. Unai Simón was barely troubled until the 88th minute, when he denied Sergi Darder with a superb save.

A second consecutive win in LaLiga, a fourth victory on the bounce in all competitions and Iker Muniain‘s 200th win as a Lion.