Cádiz CF - Athletic Club

Athletic Club played out a goalless draw against Cadiz on Sunday afternoon. There were few chances for either side, but the result keeps Los Leones' eight points ahead of the last European spot.

It was not the the Zurigorri's best performance. Ernesto Valverde made a handful of changes to the starting XI, but the physical and mental toll of the Copa battle against Barça saw Athletic struggle to find rhythm with or without the ball.

The first half passed without much fuss. Adu Ares shot narrowly over the bar after cutting in off the left flank, while Unai Simón kept Cádiz out at the other end, producing two good saves to deny Rubén Alcaraz and Rubén Sobrino.

Valverde made a triple change shortly after the break and Athletic took control of the game. However, they still could not find a way to trouble Conan Ledesma. Directed by new coach Mauricio Pellegrino, Cádiz defended aggressively in their own half as they held out for the draw - an important result in their fight for survival.

Asier Villalibre threatened with a header and Athletic appealed for a late penalty after Fali elbowed Nico Williams in the box. But in truth, Los Rojiblancos never had the home side panicking.

On the positive side for Los Rojiblancos, defender Yeray Álvarez played the full 90 minutes upon his return from injury, helping the team keep another clean sheet.

Now it's time to focus on Friday's LaLiga clash against RCD Mallorca in Bilbao.