First Division - Day 31

Athletic Bilbao 0 - Deportivo 1

Athletic: Gorka Iraizoz; Iraola, Ustaritz, Etxeita, Koikili; David López, Orbaiz (Exteberría 89'), Javi Martínez, Yeste (Susaeta 60'); Toquero (Ion Vélez 84'), Llorente. 4-4-2.
Deportivo: Aranzubia; Laure, Colotto, Ze Castro, Filipe Luis; Antonio Tomás (Sergio 09'), Juan Rodríguez; Pablo Alvarez (Cristian 86'), Verdú, Guardado; Lassad (Bodipo 72'). 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Athletic: Ustaritz, Etxeita, David López for Aitor Ocio, Amorebieta, Susaeta / Deportivo: Colotto, Ze Castro, Antonio Tomás, Pablo Alvarez, Verdú for Lopo, Pablo Amo, De Guzmán, Lafita, Valerón.

Goals:
0-1. 86. Pablo Alvarez. Struck deflected shot past keeper from Guardado pass.

Yellow cards: Juan Rodríguez 14', Ustaritz 19', Colotto 79', Orbaiz 86'.

Deportivo closed to within two points of the UEFA Cup spots after a 0-1 victory at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The Basque side needed points to move clear of the danger zone, and they had the better chances throughout. After an early chance for Lassad it was one way traffic, with Toquero, Yeste and Iraola all going close before the break.

Aranzubia was called upon to keep out a couple of Toquero headers after the restart, and the ex Athletic keeper did well to turn a long shot from Orbaiz round the post. But with a draw seemingly on the cards Guardado crossed in for Pablo Alvarez to score the winner, and Athletic ended with ten men after Javi Martínez was shown a red card for insulting the referee.