Peñaranda hits back to deny Athletic

Athletic Club draw first blood
Things took a while to get going at San Mames, with both sides evidencing a clear respect for each other. However, the Rojiblancos - vying for a European spot and enjoying home advantage - eventually managed to stamp their authority on proceedings and make their goal threat count. The deadlock was broken when Iñigo Lekue collected an Aritz Aduriz flick-on before skilfully evading the attentions of two Granada defenders to fire the hosts in front.

Aduriz denied by the woodwork
Although the Basques never really gained full control of the game, they enjoyed the lion's share of possession and looked a real threat each time they closed in on Andres Fernandez's goal. Athletic's best chance to have doubled their advantage came when they were awarded a penalty. However, Aduriz saw his well-struck spot-kick cannon back off the upright with the goalkeeper beaten all ends up.

Adalberto Peñaranda comes to Granada CF's rescue
Ernesto Valverde's men failed to put the game to bed and this would ultimately prove costly as the visitors hit back. With the hosts dropping deeper, Jose Gonzalez's charges poured forward in search of an equaliser. When the goal did come, it was one of Granada's top performers and revelations of the season, Adalberto Peñaranda, who got it. The Venzeuelan forward was on hand to side-foot home to the relief of all in the Granada camp.

Iñaki Williams back in action
The striker returned to the fray after a five-game absence and he came within a whisker of marking his return with a winning goal. However, as Athletic sought to hit back quickly after Granada's equaliser, the woodwork once again intervened as both sides ultimately had to settle for a point.