Athletic Bilbao keep up European push as they cruise to victory over Almeria
Almeria succumbed to early pressure, albeit poorly, as Fernando Martinez shockingly invited a run-of-the-mill strike by Nico Williams to seep through him and over the goalline.
Conceding early certainly shook the hosts, who absolutely had to muster a point at the least, if they were to relieve themselves momentarily from the thick of a relegation scrap.
However, they risked going 2-0 down instead with 25 minutes on the clock, after Oihan Sancet wasted a sitter from inside the six-yard box to send the ball airborne.
Rubi’s outfit gradually found their feet thereafter, but could rarely bother a Bilbao side flying high on a four-match winning streak.
Having scored during both halves in a league-high five away games, the Basque side safely carried their momentum into the break, prompting Almeria to perhaps rethink their strategy going forward.
Instead, a poor restart to the game by the Indalicos gifted Bilbao their second, just minutes after Inigo Martinez’s header struck the woodwork.
It was Oscar de Marcos who got on the scoresheet this time, thanks to a poacher’s finish following Sancet’s assist that slipped by an unsuspecting Almeria backline.
After conceding a second goal, the home side struggled to mount a comeback.
However, they still managed a consolation right at the death via a piledriver by Alex Centelles Plaza that left Unai Simon helpless and gave the home fans a reason to smile.
Following successive defeats, Almeria now languish in 17th place, just two points above nearest relegation candidates Espanyol.
The result means they spurned the opportunity to secure back-to-back wins at home for the first time in 2023.
In contrast, the Lions are now undefeated in four visits to Andalusian teams, as they trail the top six by just one point, having played a game more.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao)