Athletic Club - CD Leganés

Athletic Club were held to a goalless draw by CD Leganés at San Mames on Sunday evening. The visitors defended resolutely, demonstrating why they've become one of the hardest teams to beat in LaLiga this season.

The Lions failed to make the most of their chances. We also breathed a sigh of relief when Munir El Haddadi hit the crossbar, and when Unai Simón produced a wondersave to deny Miguel de la Fuente. 

When you can't win, you have to draw. This evening's point has at least allowed the Zurigorri to maintain the six-point gap between us and fifth-placed Villarreal CF.

Athletic struggled to trouble Marko Dmitrovic. The Serbian goalkeeper watched on as Athletic missed the target on a few ocassions. Dani Vivian volleyed wide early on, Gorka Guruzeta headed over the bar a couple of times and so did Alex Berenguer from point-blank range.

Ernesto Valverde brought on Yuri for Adama at the interval. Leganés barely got into Athletic's half in the first 45 minutes. However, they improved after the break and went close to taking the lead straight after the restart when a moment of defensive indecision meant Vivian had to block an effort on the line.

The Madrid-based outfit had an even clearer chance in the 51st minute when Simón pulled out a fantastic left-handed save to stop De La Fuente's header from crossing the line.

Athletic found more space as Borja Jiménez's side pushed forward, but struggled to make it count, missing a bit of precision in the transitions.

Desperate to score, the Lions began to charge foward at every opportunity. Oihan Sancet, back from injury, knocked on the door for the final 20 minutes. At the other end, Munir El Haddadi struck the woodwork.

The Lions had one final chance as Oihan drove into the box, but it wasn't to be.

We've crossed the 40-point mark and must now prepare to host Viktoria Plzen in our European showdown on Thursday. 

Let's move on quickly and focus on the chance to secure a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.