Athletic Club produced a complete performance to win on their return to LaLiga action
Athletic Club served up a treat as club football returned to San Mames after the international break. The Zurigorri were untouchable as they defeated RCD Espanyol 4-1 with a superb display at The Cathedral.
The Lions got off to a dream start. Ernesto Valverde's side suffocated the visitors and that pressure paid off quick as Athletic scored from their first corner with just five minutes gone.
Nico Williams' delivery found Dani Vivian, who beat his marker to tuck away a smart finish for his second goal of the season.
If the start was good... what came next was spectacular. Los Leones ran riot against a tepid Espanyol side. Iñaki Williams brought goals, Alex Berenguer provided assists and Nico was full of spark.
The elder Williams brother scored his first with a precise shot after a superb first touch to control a Berenguer pass. Two minutes later, Nico Williams broke down the left flank and found the no.7 in a central space. Berenguer played in Iñaki again and the right winger thundered a shot past Joan García
The Lions took a healthy lead into the second half. Athletic Club continued to press high and were dangerous down the flanks.
Athletic's fourth goal arrived in the 55th minute, with provider Berenguer turning scorer. The winger turned his markers inside out before firing in a powerful low drive with his left.
With victory all but wrapped up. Valverde rung the changes. First, Adama Boiro and Beñat Prados came on for Yuri Berchiche and Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and then the Williams brothers received standing ovations as the made way for Alvaro Djaló and Nico Serrano, the latter making his first appearance of the season.
Los Leones continued to dominate, and although Álvaro Tejero scored a consolation goal with a brillant free-kick, it did nothing to dampen the high spirits at San Mames.
Time now to focus on Thursday's Europa League fixture as San Mames welcomes Czech outfit Slavia Praha.
