Williams belter wins it for Athletic

Early Javi Guerra chance

Things got off to a frantic start at San Mames, with both sides coming out of the traps all guns blazing. The first clear-cut opportunity of the game fell the way of Rayo Vallecano's Javi Guerra, who was denied by a superb sprawling save from Gorka Iraizoz after a fine counter-attacking move from the visitors.

Sides cancel each other out

Rayo had the better of the opening stages, but as the game wore on, both sides enjoyed spells during which they were on top. However, it was the hosts who ultimately ended up stamping their authority on proceedings. The early rip-roaring pace curtailed off, giving way to a far more sedate affair. Ultimately though, neither side were able to completely boss the game during a first half in which goalscoring opportunities were thin on the ground.

Introduction of Aduriz changes the game

With 52 minutes on the clock, Ernesto Valverde turned to his bench and Aritz Aduriz, who came on in place of Markel Susaeta. The substitution produced the desired effect, with Athletic gradually beginning to control things, as the Franjirrojos were restricted to breaks on the counter.

Step forward Iñaki Williams, Pablo Hernandez and Gorka Iraizoz

One second-half minute saw three players take centre stage. Fifteen minutes into the second period, Pablo Hernandez burst into the hosts' penalty area and let fly with an effort that looked destined to sneak just inside Iraizoz's post, but the Athletic goalkeeper pulled off a miraculous save to once again save the day for the Basques. Not even a minute had elapsed before Valverde's charges had raced down the other end, where Raul Garcia picked out Iñaki Williams on the edge of the box and the forward conjured up a fantastic strike which flew into the top corner of Juan Carlos's goal.

Rayo come away empty-handed

Paco Jemez's troops poured forward in search of an equaliser, and they came mighty close to getting it when Miku met a 73rd-minute corner, but his headed effort crashed off the bar. Rayo left San Mames with nothing to show for their efforts and ruing their luck and the heroics of Iraizoz, who along with Xabier Etxeita were the star performers for Athletic.