Bilbao Athletic - CyD Leonesa

Bilbao Athletic prevailed 1-0 over Cultural Leonesa in the match corresponding to the 22nd matchweek in the Second Division B Group II, a result that places the red-and-white reserve team in the 2nd position of the table, with the same points as today’s opponents, 42. The side managed by José Manuel Aira arrived at Lezama after surprising everyone in their Copa del Rey’s sixth-final midweek fixture, where they beat and knocked Atlético de Madrid out of the competition.

Right winger Artola, who played as a central forward today due to the injured players in that position, created the first great chance with a header after a pass from Imanol 21 minutes into the game. Visitor’s captain Iván González had to block a couple of good entries into Cultural Leonesa’s box. No more danger to any of the goals defended by Iru and Leandro was seen afterwards in the first half. A first half that ended goalless and where Artola and Areso were shown yellow cards in its dying minutes.

The team managed by Joseba Etxeberria has started the second half at a fast pace, with a clear opportunity from Prados, after a cross from Imanol, who sent the ball out by a whisker. On the hour mark, Cultural Leonesa had the best chance of the evening, thanks to a one-on-one play where Dioni made a shot off target when Iru was coming towards him. Immediately after that, Kawaya missed another opportunity to open the scoring. Córdoba substituted Morcillo and Cabo was brought on for Prados in the first two changes carried out by Etxeberria. Little by Little, Cultural Leonesa was getting nearer and creating more danger thanks to Pichín and Benito. However, a powerful strike from Zarraga that entered the goal close to the post on 76 minutes turned the game in favour of the Cubs. In injury time, Núñez substituted Areso.

Bilbao Athletic will play at El Helmántico next weekend, on Sunday, February 1 at 5.00 pm, against a Salamanca CF that won Real Unión by a one-goal margin at Stadium Gal in Irun today.