Villarreal CF - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 5-1 in Villarreal. Although by no means definitive, the Lions have suffered a massive setback in their quest to qualify for Europe.

After a thrilling start, in which Ernesto Valverde's side could have taken the lead with two clear-cut chances from the Williams brothers, Quique Setién's team brought out all their attacking firepower to destroy Los Leones.

The game started with plenty of back and forth. Oihan Sancet set up a fantastic counter-attack and played through Iñaki Williams, who shot inches wide.

Alfonso Pedraza and Yeremy Pino forced two exceptional saves from Unai Simon just before the Zurigorri's second big chance of the evening. Iñaki broke forward, teeing up Nico Williams, but the winger was thwarted by Pepe Reina when through on goal.

Alex Baena opened the scoring when he hit the target with a free-kick after a dubious foul on Nicolas Jackson in the 23rd minute.

Nico then had a chance to equalise with a volley in the box, but Jackson doubled Villarreal's lead with a tap-in at the far post. Shortly before that, Étienne Capoue should have received a second yellow for hitting out at Dani García, but the referree saw no wrong in it. 

However, he did flag a Parejo challenge on Yuri Berchiche outside the area. After a VAR check confirmed the tackle happened in the box, he awarded a penalty. Sancet converted to give the Lions hope.

But a bad start to the second half put paid to all that. Jackson bounced on a rebound after Simon saved a Pino effort and Aitor Paredes scored an own goal.

Athletic had chances to draw closer, Sancet twice hit the post and Gorka Guruzeta had a chance after dribbling past Reina, but it wasn't our day and Baena scored the fifth. 

It is time to pick ourselves up and reset ahead of Sunday's clash with RC Celta at San Mames. Seventh place and a spot in the Europa Conference League is still on the cards.