RCD Espanyol - Athletic Club

Athletic Club beat RCD Espanyol 2-1 with Iñaki and Nico Williams scoring the goals on a perfect afternoon which saw the Lions revive their European hopes while ending a 25-year-long away winless streak against Espanyol in LaLiga. 

Two sensational goals helped Los Rojiblancos turn the page on their tough Copa del Rey elimination. The first strike was a fine finish from the older brother and the second a specactular curling finish from Nico.

The match started very evenly but Athletic found a breakthrough when Dani García played Iñaki Williams into space for the striker to fire past Fernando Pacheco with a magnificent shot across goal in the 21st minute. Los Rojiblancos had two more chances to make it 0-2 before half-time, Mikel Vesga and Oihan Sancet forcing saves from the Espanyol keeper. 

Espanyol had barely threatened Unai Simón at all until Martin Braithwaite thought he had scored just before the half-time whistle. However, the goal was ruled out when VAR flagged a clear handball by Joselu in the build-up.

Los Leones went up a gear in the second half, Ernesto Valverde's men going all out for the second goal. Pacheco was once again on hand to keep the hosts in the game, first keeping out Gorka Guruzeta at close range and then denying Iñaki after great team move involving Dani García, Vesga and Sancet.

Nico Williams came off the bench and brought all his class to the fore. First in a majestic individual move that Guruzeta almost put away. But the winger got his reward in the 74th minute. Teed up by Iker Muniain, Nico unleashed a remarkable effort to double Athletic's lead. The Red and White fans at the RCDE Stadium celebrated in style, chanting the youngster's name.

Muniain almost got a third and, of course, Los Rojiblancos were forced to suffer a bit at the end when Sergi Darder pulled one back for the home side in stoppage time.

The Zurigorri held out and secured victory. Now it's time to prepare for the next week's Basque Derby against Real Sociedad at San Mames, where a positive result could propel Los Leones even further towards the European places.