Girona FC - Athletic Club

Athletic passed a tough test against Girona with flying colours. Only a lack of accuracy in the first half, in which the Lions had four clear-cut chances, denied them a victory. The result at Montilivi, where only Real Madrid have won this season, keeps Athletic in fifth place. 

Míchel's side are second in the league to Madrid thanks to their effective, ambitious style of football, but the Zurigorri were at their level all night. What's more, Ernesto Valverde's side probably should have taken all three points.

Iñaki Williams' wonder goal in the 67th minute, a counter-attack set up by Mikel Vesga and Oihan Sancet, meant they took at least one back to Bilbao. The hosts had gone ahead via Viktor Tsygankov's sparkling strike earlier in the second half.

Athletic came out determined to win. In the 4th minute, Vesga found Gorka Guruzeta in the box, but the striker's effort went straight into Paulo Gazzaniga's hands.

The Lions, the best team to have visited Montilivi this season according to Míchel, were only threatened by a couple of Cristhian Stuani headers, one of which was blocked by Unai Simón.

Sancet tested Gazzaniga with a powerful effort, but it was Oscar de Marcos who went closest, the full-back narrowly firing over from a venomous ball Nico Williams cross which took a touch off Iñaki. Vesga also had a go with a left-footed shot was saved.

The second half was end-to-end. Girona's Savinho and Tsygankov menaced until they found an opener. But this Athletic side is full of confidence. Iñaki, back from international duty with Ghana, put away a powerful counter-attack to get his sixth goal of the campaign. 

It looked as if the Bilbao side could nick the win. Raúl García and Iñaki both had chances. But, Girona, who were top of the league before this game for a reason, tightened up in the closing stages.

We keep going. Athletic can hold their heads high after pushing a great team all the way.