Bilbao loses to second-to-last Granada, Champions League slips away

Bilbao failed to win their home match against Granada, only drawing 1-1 against the penultimate team in the table. The visitors struck from the first chance of the match and Athletic then conquered their opponents in vain. The hopes of the Champions League have thus dropped considerably.

The visitors surprisingly took the lead from the first chance of the game when Inaki Williams scored an own goal in the sixth minute. His brother Nico Williams had the visitors’ opening dangerous action, but his shot from distance was cleared out for a corner by the goalkeeper.

In the 17th minute, the home side’s Oihan Sancet had a shot but missed the target. Four minutes later, Bilbao missed a double chance, first from Nico Williams, then from a cross by Inigo Ruiz, who also failed to clear Augusto Batalla.

In the 24th minute, the home side took advantage of the pressure, with Gorka Guruzeta heading unchallengingly under the crossbar. The same player was on hand ten minutes later, but this time his attempt was headed in by one of the defending players and knocked away for a corner kick.

In stoppage time, the visitors made their first appearance since the opening whistle, but Antonio Puertas’ shot was also stopped by defending players. The game was tied 1-1 after pressure from Bilbao.

Yuri Berchiche opened the second half with a shot, but it just missed the left post. Yeray Alvarez continued his conquest, he headed towards the right post of Granada’s goal, but he missed and the score remained tied.

The home team’s pressure increased, then Inaki Williams tried his shot, but the opposing goalkeeper was able to deal with his attempt. The same player had a great chance in the 87th minute, but missed the goal from close range.

Bilbao remain fifth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Atlético Madrid. Last but one Granada are ten points behind the relegation zone.

Source: Nova Sport