Athletic Club - Real Valladolid

Athletic Club have layed down a marker in the race for Champions League qualification by thrashing Real Valladolid 7-1 at San Mames.

The Lions could've scored even more if not for a great performance by Karl Hein in goal for the visitors. It was an unforgettable afternoon, especially for our captain Oscar de Marcos, who climbs up to second in Athletic's all-time appearance maker rankings.

With more than 47,000 spectatorsat San Mamés on a sunny afternoon, Ernesto Valverde's charges stepped on the accelerator from the outset.

Mikel Jauregizar scored with a left-footed effort in the tenth minute after being set up by Nico Williams. The no.23 was in inspired form and only two great saves from Hein stopped him from netting again.

The visitors almost found a way back into the match in the 33rd minute when Mamadou Sylla fired past Unai Simón. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check. As if spurred on by the fright, Athletic went on a stampede. 

Yuri combined well with his teammate to help set up Athletic's next two goals. First, he played in Nico Williams, who dribbled past half Valladolid team before finishing calmly. After that, he found Maroan who got his first Athletic goal after outmuscling his marker. 

Oihan Sancet smashed in a volley from a Jauregizar pass to make it 4-0 before the break.

Raul Moro tried to drag his side back into the game, creating a goal for Sylla after the restart. Simón stopped Machís from making it 4-2 and the Lions went back into steamroller mode Stank Juric was sent off. 

Another great Nico goal, a Gorka Guruzeta stunner and a smart Iñaki Williams finish sent San Mames wild.

De Marcos went off to a standing ovation after beign brought off for Iñigo Lekue and Iñaki, who took over the armband, almost capped off the afternoon with an audacious volley that hit the crossbar.