Elche 1-4 Athletic Bilbao: Bilbao bang out a big win at struggling Elche

Elche were defeated at home by Athletic Bilbao at Estadio Martínez Valero on Sunday. Both Elche and Athletic Bilbao came from defeats in their previous league games. Elche were looking to get back to winning ways after losing their last match 4-0 to Villarreal. Athletic Bilbao had lost their previous match against Espanyol. Elche and Athletic Bilbao sit 19th, (1 point) and 4th, (10 points), spots respectively, after 5 matches.

The Lions didn’t take long to get on the score-sheet, when Nicolas Ezequiel Fernandez Mercau opened the rout, at 9 minutes. Athletic Bilbao looked to have the match under control when they scored again to grab the advantage, thanks to a goal from Oihan Sancet in the 14th minute to establish a 2-0. The momentum was again with Athletic Bilbao, who then scored again courtesy of a goal from Nicholas Williams, 22 minutes in to establish a 3-0 result. Athletic Bilbao then netted once more and increased their advantage thanks to a goal from Alex Berenguer just before half-time and saw the first half out 4-0.

Elche took the lead in the second half, when Ezequiel Ponce found the net, 59 minutes in, seing the match finish 4-1.

Substitutions for Elche included Ezequiel Ponce, John Nwankwo Donald, Fidel, Josan and Raúl Guti for Omar Mascarell, Enzo Roco, Alex Collado, Pol Lirola and Gerard Gumbau, respectively. Athletic Bilbao brought on Oier Zarraga, Raul Garcia, Mikel Vesga, Gorka Guruzeta and Jon Morcillo for Nicholas Williams, Oihan Sancet, Dani Garcia, Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain.

The referee booked Omar Mascarell, Enzo Roco and Pedro Bigas for Elche.

Elche will next play Barcelona away, with Athletic Bilbao facing Rayo Vallecano at home.