Rayo Vallecano - Athletic Club

Athletic Club played out a thrilling goalless draw against Rayo Vallecano at Vallecas. Nico Williams almost sent the Lions home with all three points as his left-footed effort hit the crossbar in stoppage time.

Los Leones, who move into eighth place, also had Oihan Sancet sent off harshly in the final stages of the game, while Iñigo Lekue had to be subbed off with a thigh injury.

Julen Agirrezabala played an important role on a very special day for goalkeepers. Football's tribute to Jose Angel Iribar is to be applauded. Players from both sides took to the pitch wearing Iribar's iconic strip with the number 1 shirt and his name on the back. It was a beautiful gesture which included a photo of Stole Dimitrevski and Agirrezabala in black kits.

The shotstoppers were in fine form at Vallecas, with Athletic's keeper making the save of the match to keep out an Álvaro García that took a deflection off Raúl de Tomás.

Rayo's goalkeeper saved a point-blank header from Sancet to deny Athletic. Rayo best chance came via a thumping Alvaro Garica effort which struck the post.

The match was evenly balanced throughout, with each side having periods of dominance and possession. Athletic had two chances in quick succession during the first part of the second half. First, Alex Berenguer put in a great low cross which Nico was inches away from converting, and soon after Alex sent an effort wide after being set up by Sancet.

Julen's save in the 82nd minute and another long-range effort from Raúl de Tomás had most Athleticzales worrying before Nico hit the woodwork.

We accept the draw and move on. On Sunday there is a big game at San Mamés against FC Barcelona.