UD Almería - Athletic Club

Athletic Club defeat UD Almeria 1-2 at the Power Horse Stadium to edge ever closer to Europe. The Lions closed the gap on those above them in the LaLiga Santander table and are now just two points behind fifth-placed Real Betis. 

Nico Williams and Óscar de Marcos, who scored with classy finish, were on the scoresheet as Los Rojiblancos suffered right into stoppage time - just as they did against RCD Espanyol a couple of weeks ago.

Ernesto Valverde's side were far superior and probably should have been further ahead before Alex Centelles beat Unai Simón with a great injury time shot. But there is no gain without pain.

The worst news from the match was a fifth yellow card of the season for Mikel Vesga, who will now miss the Sevilla match in Bilbao, along with Oier Zarraga.

The game could not have started any better. In the eighth minute, Nico Williams played a one-two with Oihan Sancet and squeezed in a left-footed shot under Almería goalkeeper Fernando.

Athletic pressed high and unsettled Rubi's side. Ander Herrera, returing to the starting line-up after a prolonged injury absence, linked up with Gorka Guruzeta, who in turn played in Iñaki Williams, however, the no.9 couldn't keep his shot on target.

Sancet had a great chance to make it 0-2, chesting down a cross from Yuri, but, under heavy pressure in the box, Oihan sent his effort over the bar. Almeria barely troubled Unai Simón, a couple of shots from Robertone and Luis Suarez the only times they really threatened.

Alex Berenguer came on for Iñaki at half-time and made his presence known with a huge run to close down Fernando. Soon after, he sent in a brilliant corner which Iñigo Martínez smashed off the post with a powerful header. 

Athletic pushed hard for a second goal and found it in a great move between De Marcos and Sancet. Oscar rolled back the years to score with a chipped effort reminiscent of his days as a winger.

Sancet and Guruzeta moved into space well and together were a nightmare for the Almeria defence. The hosts hardly troubled the Lions until Centelles' strike.

A superb win to fill the players with confidence ahead of Sevilla's visit to San Mamés on Thursday, a match where there will be a lot on the line.