Cádiz CF - Athletic Club

Athletic Club defeated Cadiz CF 2-3 at the Nuevo Mirandilla. It is a win which keeps the Lions’ European hopes alive. The upcoming fixtures at San Mamés against Atlético Madrid and Valencia will determine their fotunes.

It was an intriguing match against a Cadiz team playing for its life. The first half was rosy with a 0-3 score that matched last year’s 0-4 half-time scoreline. A dazzling start, put Marcelino’s team in an ideal position, with goals coming from Raúl García, Iker Muniain and Mikel Vesga.

Athletic were straight out of the traps, Nico Williams testing Jeremias Ledesma after 30 seconds when played through by his brother. Iñaki Williams then played a central role in Athletic’s third-minute, his brilliant backheel flick teeing up Raúl García to make it 0-1.

Álvaro Negredo was a threat at the other end, but Athletic made it 0-2 just after the 20th minute. Nico Williams was brought down by Alfonso Espino in the box. Iker Muniain stepped up, and although his initial effort from the spot was saved, he had no issues with the rebound.

Vesga scored the Lions’ third with a thunderous low drive from the edge of the box. And Athletic thought they had a fourth when Iñaki Williams had an effort ruled out for offside in stoppage time.

Athletic were made to fight for their win in the second half, with the final half-hour being especially arduous. Lucas Pérez made it 1-3 in the 55th minute and then Athletic went down to 10 men after the wrong sent off Vesga with 20 minutes to go.

Los Rojiblancos backed off as they looked to defend their lead, although Unai Vencedor narrowly missed the target in the 85th minute. Moments later Rubén Sobrino put the home side within touching distance and it could have been worse, with Fali crashing a ball against the post in stoppage time.

It was a hard-fought victory, and definitely a match of two halves, but the Lions held on to pick up three very important points.