Athletic continue upward trend

Athletic Club confirmed their good form with a 3-1 victory over RCD Espanyol in the opening game of matchday 12 of the Liga BBVA. Through goals from Aritz Aduriz, Borja Viguera and Ander Iturraspe, the Rojiblancos made it five matches unbeaten. Víctor Sánchez scored for the Blanquiazules, who are yet to win away.

Despite the first chance of the match falling to the visitors with a Víctor Sánchez volley skimming the crossbar, Athletic set a very high tempo and dominated play in the first half. The home side took the lead in the 29th minute through Aduriz, who celebrated his return to the field with a great headed goal from a corner. The Rojiblancos' dominance was rewarded again in the 44th minute, when Borja Viguera scored the first goal of his professional career in the Liga BBVA.

After the break, however, Espanyol were a different side, and gradually they gained ground. The Blanquiazules came close to making it 2-1 on a couple of occasions, with a shot from Stuani just missing and Salva Sevilla hitting the post, but Athletic sealed the game with a stunning goal from Iturraspe. The midfielder did not think twice and struck a powerful shot from long distance, beating Casilla and adding the final touch to a great night for the Leones. In the closing stages, Víctor Sánchez made it 3-1.