RCD Espanyol - Athletic Club

Athletic have secured a golden point, a point which boosts our European aspirations, with a draw at the difficult RCDE Stadium.

It was difficult afternoon. A mistake saw Athletic goal a down in the 62nd minute before Oihan Sancet volleyed in from a corner. What's more, there was another incident of racist behaviour at the RCDE Stadium, coming from the same stand as last time.

On this occasion it was Maroan Sannadi who was insulted, leading to Iñaki Williams asking the referee to activate the anti-racism protocol. The whistle and jeers our captain recieved every time he touched the ball was even more shocking. Inexplicable.

Espanyol had a lot at stake and played a strong game. Towards the end, it looked as if Ernesto Valverde's side might complete the comeback and take the win, but it wasn't to be.

Maroan tested Joan Garcia with a left-footed shot, while Jofre had a shot saved by Unai Simón at the other end. The game didn't really open up until Espanyol's unfortunate goal. It came in the 62nd minute when Roberto Fernandez chased a pass to Unai Simón and managed to close down a heavy touch from the goalkeeper as he looked to clear his lines.

It was a blow, but Athletic got back on their feet. Valverde brought on Nico Williams and De Marcos, who equalled Iker Muniain as the Lion with second most appearances  in Athletic history (560), and Athletic pressed for an equaliser, which came via a skilfull Sancet volley from a Nico corner.

The Lions chased a winner, with both Williams brothers going close. Iñaki had a brilliant left-footed shot tipped over the bar by García. 

The travelling Zurigorri fans received applause from the players for their backing. This excellent Athletic side have now gone 15 games unbeaten in LaLiga.