Girona FC - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 2-1 in Girona. It was a match in which the hosts were the better side. Unai Simón had kept Los Leones in the game before David López, with a header, and Iván Martín, on a counter-attack, put Girona two goals ahead.

With the game all but lost, Athletic threw caution to the wind, pulling one back via Gorka Guruzeta's third goal of the campaign before going close to equalising via Nico Williams.

It was a pity not to get a point which would have seen Athletic tigthen their grip on a European spot. Míchel's team came out with more determination, Aleix García almost scoring from a free-kick early on. Simón then pulled out a reflex save,to deny Yangel Herrera.

Meanwhile, Athletic barely threatened, their best chance of the half a smart turn and strike by Raul Garcia which was well saved by Paulo Gazzaniga.

After the break, Nico Williams tested the home goalkeeper with a left-footed shot. Herrera responded for the Catalans, forcing another save from Simón. And in the 66th minute, David López headed the ball home from a deadball delivery.

Gorka Guruzeta was brought on as Athletic began to chase an equaliser. The striker connected with a cross from Nico Williams, but failed to trouble Gazzaniga. Just as Athletic and Gorka were getting into their stride, Bilbao-born Iván Martín made it 2-0 on a counter-attack.

All seemed lost, but a breakaway with a cross from Iñaki Williams, a touch from Oscar de Marcos and a sharp finish from Guruzeta gave the Lions hope. Athletic kept the ball, but were not incisive enough.

Los Rojiblancos face Real Valladolid at San Mamés on Tuesday before heading to Alzira to start this season's Copa adventure.