Athletic Bilbao 2 – Elche 1: Narrow victory for The Lions at home to ilicitano

Elche fell to an away defeat at the hands of Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium on Sunday. Athletic Bilbao arrived with the intention of increasing their league score following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Getafe in their previous game while Elche were beaten 1-0 in the previous match against Valencia. Following today’s result, Athletic Bilbao are currently 8th with 44 points from 30 matches, while Elche sit in 15th, with 32 points from 30.

Athletic Bilbao started the first half well, with a goal from Alex Berenguer, 32 minutes in, ending the first half 1-0.

The Lions continued to apply pressure in the second and were rewarded, thanks to Asier Villalibre finding the net at the 86 minute mark. In the end though, ilicitano just before the final whistle hit back though following a Josan goal, leaving the final score at 2-1.

For Athletic Bilbao, Alex Petxa, Raul Garcia, Nicholas Williams, Asier Villalibre and Oier Zarraga, came on for Mikel Vesga, Oihan Sancet, Alex Berenguer, Inaki Williams and Oscar De Marcos. Elche brought on Ezequiel Ponce, Josan, Raúl Guti, Guido Carrillo and Pablo Piatti, to replace Lucas Boye, Tete Morente, Ivan Marcone, Pere Milla and Fidel.

There were bookings for Mikel Vesga and Unai Nunez from Athletic Bilbao, and Pedro Bigas, Ivan Marcone, Guido Carrillo and Josan, for Elche.

Athletic Bilbao will next travel to Villarreal, while Elche will face Real Sociedad at home.