Athletic thrashed UD Almeria 4-0 with a stellar performance at San Mamés on Friday night. The Lions stuck to what has served them so well this season: playing with determination, keeping the ball and never being afraid to go forward.

One goal came after the other as Ernesto Valverde's side strengthened their grip on the European places with a third win on the bounce. It is still very, very early days, but Athletic are playing with an incredible sense of freedom that breeds confidence.

Within 30 seconds Iñaki Williams made it clear he was going to be a nightmare for the visitors. The San Mamés crowd only had to wait 10 minutes for Iñaki to score. The goal was a great example of the connection between the in-form Williams brothers. Nico Williams sent in a left-footed cross and Iñaki steered it past Fernando.

Athletic went for more and the second came in the 17th minute. Oscar de Marcos, a menace down the right flank, played through Oihan Sancet and the central midfielder took a sweet touch before finishing with a low drive. Oihan put in a splendid performance, showing off his range of passes whilst bossing the middle of the park.

The Lions did not let up after the break. In the 49th minute, Sancet put the ball on a plate for Iñaki to double his tally, but the goal was ruled out after VAR showed the striker was millimetres offside.

Unai Simon then kept out Sousa with a fine save. And on 61 minutes, Nico joined his brother on the scoresheet to make it 3-0. Curiously the same players who scored against Rayo Vallecano two weeks ago had repeated the feat.

Midfielder Mikel Vesga added some variety to the scoreline towards the end, the midfielder was brought down in the box before stepping up to convert the penalty.

San Mamés was rocking once more, with Athleticzales in fine voice. Now Los Leones will turn their attention to the upcoming match against Sevilla FC.

Athletic Club4 : 0UD Almería