Bilbao burnt out at the last place, not even a long power play was enough

Athletic Bilbao failed to win the match at the last place Almería. The goalless draw is all the more disappointing because they were outnumbered from the 53rd minute. Thus, it missed the opportunity to catch up with fourth-placed Atlético Madrid in the table on points, with the home side clearly remaining last.

Almería started surprisingly actively, with Choco Lozano failing in a good position in the 11th minute, sending the ball just wide of the post. Seven minutes later, Lucas Robertone also headed into the gloves of the Bilbao goalkeeper, this time with a header.

The game was consistent with the home side’s long-standing offensive woes, as they held the ball but were not dangerous. On the other side, Asier Villalibre fired in the 35th minute. But his attempt towards the right post was brilliantly saved by Luis Maximiano.

The visitors’ good passing continued through Aitor Paredes, who headed unsuccessfully towards the left post for a change. The first half was closed by another header from the home side’s Lozano, which Unai Simon had no problem with in the Bilbao goal.

Bilbao couldn’t take advantage against Almería with ten men

Almería’s performance in the first half could have had them thinking about three points. But that plan began to unravel in the 53rd minute. Largie Ramazani saw a second yellow card for a foul. And the underdog finished the second half with basically ten men.

The expected pressure from the favourite didn’t start there though, Bilbao were only dangerous after the penalty area. Only in the 72nd minute did Alex Berenguer threaten in some way. But his weak header only found the middle of the net.

It almost looked as if Bilbao didn’t even want to win on the ground of the last team in the table. In the 86th minute, however, Raul Garcia could have changed everything, but the experienced midfielder’s header only hit the frame of the goal.

That was Bilbao’s best chance, after that their players did not create anything good and got only a point. Atlético are two points behind fourth-placed Atlético, while Almería are last. They are an abysmal 13 points behind the non-relegation positions.

Source: La Liga