Beñat & De Marcos strike to seal the points for Athletic

Beñat draws first blood

The first half saw Athletic dictate proceedings and fashion the clearest openings. With 27 minutes on the clock, the Basques' domination was rewarded as Beñat struck a free-kick which caught Ivan Cuellar by surprise to put the visitors in the ascendancy.

The Sporting response

After the break, Abelardo's men upped their game as the hosts produced some of their best football with Alen Halilovic at the heart of everything for the Asturians. Despite all of their good play, Sporting were unable to draw themselves level.

De Marcos strikes a killer blow

Right when R. Sporting were at their most threatening, Athletic struck to double their advantage. In the second period, Ernesto Valverde's charges had barely got anywhere near Cuellar's goal up until the 59th minute when Oscar De Marcos unleashed a superb shot which nestled in the far corner. This was a real kick in the teeth for the hosts.

Athletic reduced to ten men

With fifteen minutes remaining, the referee showed Aymeric Laporte his second yellow of the game for his challenge on Halilovic. With ten men and a two-goals advantage, the visitors were content to sit back and defend their lead and try and hit the hosts on the break. Sporting tried everything to claw themselves back into the game, but it was all in vain.

Contrasting form

This win was Athletic Club's third on the spin, whilst Sporting's last victory came back on matchday 21, when they ran out 1-0 winners at Mestalla. Whilst Valverde's side continue their fight for a European spot, Abelardo's charges find themselves in the thick of the relegation battle.