Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Girona: Bilbao edge five-goal thriller to dent Girona's title hopes

Athletic Bilbao improved their chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in ten years by defeating title contenders Girona 3-2. Alex Berenguer scored two goals as the Lions moved within two points of the top-four, while the visitors suffered their first back-to-back league defeats of the season.

The hosts quickly took the lead within 90 seconds, thanks to a terrible pass by Aleix García that allowed Berenguer to steal possession and score with a low shot. This goal was the third fastest ever conceded by the visitors in LaLiga. However, the visitors were not discouraged and created a couple of chances for Viktor Tsygankov, with the best one being saved.

Despite this, Ernesto Valverde's team did not sit back and Inaki Williams came close to scoring a second goal. He made a strong run down the right, cut inside, and hit the post.

As the first half approached its end, the striker had two more opportunities, but one of them was too close to the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Girona's Yangel Herrera also had a close attempt from distance.

At halftime, Athletic had gone almost eight hours without conceding a goal. However, their resistance was broken just four minutes into the second half when Tsygankov scored from inside the six-yard box. The goal came from Ivan Martín's bouncing cross.

But the lead didn't last long as Miguel Gutierrez lost possession cheaply to Gorka Guruzeta, who delivered a low ball into the area that was converted by Berenguer. Shortly after, Inaki finally got his goal when two Girona defenders made a mistake, allowing him to control the ball and strike it into the far corner.

A point-blank save from Paulo Gazzaniga prevented Berenguer from scoring a hat-trick, and the visitors were relieved. However, Eric García managed to score with a header from Aleix García's free-kick, reducing the deficit. The match was briefly halted for a medical emergency in the crowd, disrupting the momentum of the game.

However, even in the additional time, they managed to create numerous opportunities. Artem Dovbyk came close to scoring, but his shot hit the side netting. Unai Simon made a save against Sávio, but Dani Vivian's incredible goalline clearance from Jhon Solís' attempt secured the victory for Athletic.