Athletic: Iraizoz; De Marcos, Bóveda, Etxeita, Lekue; Mikel Rico (Beñat 51’), Iturraspe; Susaeta (Aduríz 51‘), Raúl García, Muniain; Williams (San José 63’). 4-2-3-1.
Rayo: Juan Carlos; Quini, Zé Castro, Crespo, Nacho (Embarba 63’); Pablo Hernández, Raúl Baena, Trashorras, Bebé; Javi Guerra, Miku (Manucho 79‘). 4-4-2.
Goals:
1-0. 61. Williams. Picked up Raúl García pass and curled shot past Juan Carlos.
Yellow cards: Nacho 01’, Raúl García 15’, Raúl Baena 15’, Quini 51’.
Athletic Bilbao are up to sixth, still just a point behind fifth placed Celta, after they won 1-0 against Rayo Vallecano in the last match on Sunday.night. The Basque side had the better chances early on, Juan Carlos having to save from Muniain and Crespo lucky to be let off a penalty appeal for hand ball. Miku and Javi Guerra both tested Iraizoz before the interval, but on the hour mark Williams picked up a pass from Raúl García and made himself space to curl a shot past the visiting keeper. Athletic tired after that though following their Thursday night Europa League tie against Sevilla, and Rayo had several opportunities to save a point in the later stages of the match, Iraizoz saving from Javi Guerra, Miku heading against the bar, and Guerra firing a shot just wide of the post near the end.