Athletic Bilbao 2-0 Atletico Madrid: Bilbao defeat Atletico to close gap on top 4

Athletic Bilbao defeated Atletico Madrid 2-0 at home on Saturday, moving the Basque club up the LaLiga table to within two points of the Champions League places.

Ernesto Valverde's team dominated proceedings but were frequently frustrated by inspired Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who made several fine saves to keep his side in the game.

Nico Williams and his brother Inaki Williams performed at a sold-out San Mames stadium. They were constantly posing a threat to their opponents' defense, and both hit the post in the first half.

In the 34th minute, the locals squandered a golden opportunity when Ohian Sancet missed from the penalty spot after Nico Williams was fouled inside the box.

Atletico Madrid appeared distracted and far from the relentless side that cruised past Lazio 2-0 on Wednesday to secure top spot in Champions League Group E, the first time they have reached the knockout stages as group winners since 2016.

Under pressure from a confident Bilbao side that had gone unbeaten in their previous eight games in all competitions, they held out until the 51st minute, when Inaki Williams made a brilliant individual play to set up the opening goal.

He dribbled past three opponents before passing to Ander Herrera, who lifted a perfect cross to Gorka Guruzeta at the far post, who tapped the ball into the net.

Nico Williams sealed the victory 13 minutes later with an outstanding strike into the top corner. With two defenders pressing him on the right side of the box, the 21-year-old Spain winger cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable curling shot into the net.

Athletic are fifth in LaLiga with 32 points, two points behind Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who both have a game in hand. Girona leads with 41 points, two more than Real Madrid.

SportsLigue