Athletic: Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegi, San
José, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Mikel Rico; Susaeta, Ander Herrera (Ibai
Gómez 64'), Muniain (Beñat 77'); Toquero (Aduríz 64').
4-2-3-1.
Rayo: Rubén; Tito, Zé Castro
(Trashorras 81'), Gálvez, Mojica; Adrián González,
Saúl Ñíguez; Lass, Jonathan Viera, Alberto Perea (Nery
Castillo 73'); Alberto Bueno. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 33. San José. Beat Rubén from
close up at second try after corner not cleared.
1-1. 61. Bueno. Acrobatic
overhead kick after Jonathan Viera headed up cross.
2-1. 66. Mikel Rico.
Drove low shot past keeper after Aduríz laid ball back to him.
Yellow cards: Tito 48', Adrián González 85'.
Athletic Bilbao consolidated fourth spot after a 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano, the win keeping them four points above neighbours Real Sociedad, who they visit in the opening game of the new year. San José looped a header against the bar before the defender opened the scoring on the half hour mark, beating Rubén at the third attempt after he and Toquero had had shots blocked. Toquero missed a good chance to make it two after the restart, but Iraizoz had to be at his best to keep out a couple of long shots from Adrián González, and with an hour gone Alberto Bueno levelled the scores with an acrobatic overhead kick after Adrián and Viera had headed on a centre from Lass. Just five minutes later though Mikel Rico put the locals back in front after Aduríz laid the ball back, and Aduríz himself could have added to the lead had Gálvez not cleared his shot off the line with the keeper beaten. The defeat means that Rayo stay in next to bottom spot.