Athletic keep fifth-placed finish within their grasp

Valeron's swansong in front of home fans

This game marked Juan Carlos Valeron's final outing at the Gran Canaria stadium, after the veteran yesterday announced his plans to retire at the end of the current campaign. The home supporters offered the 40-year-old a tribute he'll never forget, as the stadium took to its feet on 21 minutes to pay homage to the midfield genius, who was handed the captain's armband for the day and was offered a standing ovation when he made way in the 71st minute.

Pass and move football from Las Palmas

As they stamped their characteristic passing style onto proceedings, the Canary Islanders began to enjoy the lion's share of possession and started to fashion some openings. This particular brand of football, which is so characteristic of Quique Setien's teams, once again succeeded in nullifying the visitors' threat, as the hosts prevented Athletic from playing through them and restricted the Basques to just the odd sight on Javi Varas's goal.

Athletic dominate after the break

After the interval, Ernesto Valverde's men emerged with greater potency and the Leones looked to pour forward at every opportunity. Athletic's approach forced the Canary Islanders to tighten up at the back and drop deeper than they would have liked, as they sought to prevent the visitors' danger men, Iker Muniain and Aritz Aduriz, from running riot.

The race for fifth place

This goalless draw leaves Athletic still firmly in with a chance of sealing a fifth-placed finish, which would guarantee direct qualification into the Europa League, without having to negotiate the qualifying rounds. After RC Celta's home win over Malaga CF, the Rojiblancos lie in sixth and just one point behind the Galicians.