Etxeita earns Athletic the three points after seven matchdays without a win

Athletic Club got back to winning ways in the first fixture of the Saturday on matchday 9 of the Liga BBVA. Ernesto Valverde's team defeated Almería 0-1 at the Juegos Mediterráneos Stadium. 

It was an evenly matched game in the first 45 minutes. Both Almería and Athletic looked comfortable defending their goal and looking to take the lead with an isolated move. The visiting centre back Xabi Etxeita threatened in the area, but his shot was blocked by a defender for the Andalusian side. Tomer Hemed then attempted to put his team ahead with a left-footed strike from in front of the box. 

In the second half, and though the game lacked pace, the Basque side tried to take the initiative, but Francisco's men rallied well to halt their progress. Finally, the Vizcaya team managed to take the lead from a corner. Xabier Etxeita eluded the opposition defence to earn three points for the Rojiblancos after seven matchdays without a win.