Athletic Bilbao ran riot at San Mamés on Sunday, crushing bottom-placed Real Valladolid 7-1 to reinforce their top-four position in La Liga.
The Basque side, currently fourth, produced a dominant performance, moving four points clear of fifth-placed Villarreal in the race for Champions League qualification.
Mikel Jauregizar opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Nico Williams doubled the lead with a stunning solo effort. Maroan Sannadi and Oihan Sancet added two more goals before halftime, putting Ernesto Valverde’s side in complete control.
Mamadou Sylla gave Valladolid a glimmer of hope early in the second half, but a red card for Stank Juric ended any chance of a comeback.
Nico Williams struck again before his brother Iñaki Williams assisted Gorka Guruzeta for Bilbao’s sixth goal, then rounded off the emphatic victory with a strike of his own.
Later on Sunday, third-placed Real Madrid host Girona, looking to pull level with leaders Barcelona. Meanwhile, Getafe take on Real Betis, and Real Sociedad face Leganes in other La Liga fixtures.
