Athletic Club - UD Almería

A convincing 3-0 win over UD Almeria at San Mames, where the Lions have won 10 out of 12 available points this season, means we head into the international break in fifth place and a firm grip on a European spot.

Three goals and three different goalscorers tonight is even more cause for optimism. Gorka Guruzeta opened the can, Dani García got his first Athletic strike after 182 appearances for the club, and Oihan Sancet put the match to bed.

The 43,367 fans at The Cathedral were treated to a spectacle as Los Leones overpowered LaLiga's bottom side, running in chance after chance.

It didn't take long for Athletic to take the lead. Minutes after Yeray went off injured, Nico Williams found Yuri Berchiche on the overlap and the left cut it back for Guruzeta to tuck home from close range for his fourth goal so far this term.

The Zurigorri had all kinds of opportunities to extend their advantage before the break. Ander Herrera went close twice (even hitting the post), Sancet struck an effort inches wide and Yuri forced a save from Maximiano after a well-worked corner routine.

Athletic were keen to ensure there could be no Almeria comeback. Iñaki Williams and Dani Vivian looked for the second. But in the end, it was Dani García who did the job. The industrious midfielder finally got to celebrate an Athletic goal after he got on the end of an Oscar de Marcos cross.

Sancet put the cherry on top of a vibrant personal performance as Nico found him for Athletic's third. Asier Villalibre could have made it 4-0, but his shot went wide. 

Athletic are staying steady as they aim for Europe. After the two-week break for internationals the Lions travel to Catalunya to face Xavi's Barcelona.