Athletic Club defeated Girona 3-2 in La Liga on Monday, reviving their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League thanks to two goals from Alex Berenguer.
Athletic’s record now stands at 49 points from 25 games, two points behind fourth-place Atletico Madrid, following their ninth straight victory at home in San Mames.
Girona was unable to get closer to the league leaders by taking advantage of Real Madrid’s draw with Rayo Vallecano.
In the opening minute, Berenguer’s goal past goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga came after he intercepted a pass from the right.
Shortly after the half, Viktor Tsyganov tied the score, but Berenguer quickly returned Athletic to the league with a similar attempt at his first goal.
Athletic’s third goal came from a cross-shot by Inaki Williams, who calmed the team four minutes after Berenguer’s opener.
“Beating Girona is not an easy task. Williams, who finished with nine goals in the league, said following the match, “In San Mames, we are being a steamroller, and the connection with the public is fantastic.”
In the second half, Gazzaniga made a few excellent saves to keep Girona in the match before Eric Garcia headed in a cross to cut the lead.
However, for a point in the game, the visitors were unable to find the equalizer.
Following Real Madrid’s 4-0 thumping of the Catalan team last week, this is the team’s second straight loss and only their third in the league.
With 62 points, Real Madrid is ahead of Girona by six and Barcelona, in third place, by eight points. EF