Real Betis - Athletic Club

On a day dedicated to the Athletic spirit, the Lions snatched a point against the always awkward Real Betis. It was a fair 0-0 draw, although Ernesto Valverde's side seemed more up for the win than their opponents, especially early on.

At the other end, Unai Simón was also kept busy. The goalkeeper did everything right and Athletic go to bed in a Europa League spot much to the delight of our fans.

More than 22,000 fans gathered at San Mamés for a sing along, a 125th anniversary flag-raising ceremony and a broadcast of the game on giant screens. The Lions wanted to dedicate a victory to Txetxu Rojo, who was honoured with two thunderous ovations at The Cathedral

In Seville, Athletic showed ambition and went for the win from the off. They only lacked that bit of clarity in the final third needed to bring home all three points.

Simon was on his game all night. In the first half, he went full stretch to keep out a shot from Luiz Henrique and another from Nabil Fekir. Athletic dominated possession, but could not find Gorka Guruzeta, who was taking up good positions in the box. The best attacks came down the flanks, with Oscar De Marcos and Yuri Berchiche causing problems for the home side.

In the early part of the second half, Manuel Pellegrini's men pushed for a goal with the ever-present Luiz Henrique looking most likely to score. But Simon showed no cracks. Lifted by the support in the Villamarin and that from a thousand kilometres away in Bilbao, Athletic began to push forward.

They began to stretch Betis' defence with Yuri, Alex Berenguer and Iker Muniain often combining well. Raúl García sent a tricky volley wide and except for a good save by Simón from a Willian José free-kick, 0-1 seemed more likely than 1-0.

And it almost came in the last move of the match. Athletic went close after Felipe Luiz saw red for a rough foul on Muniain. The Lions moved the ball well to find Nico Williams in space, but the winger could not find the back of the net.

A solid point on a day when the Athletic spirit triumphed. The Lions' run continues and now it is time to get past Eldense in the Copa and beat Osasuna at San Mamés. Los Rojiblancos are looking good for the new year.