Athletic came from behind to defeat Girona at Montilivi and continue their excellent form under Gaizka Garitano. They have now picked up 13 points from the last 18 available, and are averaging a superb 1.93 points per game since the change in manager in December.
For Girona this was a disappointing night. After Cristhian Stuani's excellent first half header had breathed life and optimism into Montilivi, Athletic's convincing second half fight backs leaves Eusebio Sacristan's side without a win at home in nine league games, a run stretching back to October.
For Girona this was a disappointing night. After Cristhian Stuani's excellent first half header had breathed life and optimism into Montilivi, Athletic's convincing second half fight backs leaves Eusebio Sacristan's side without a win at home in nine league games, a run stretching back to October.
Athletic had not come from behind to win all season, but did so impressively with both Inaki Williams and Raul Garcia scoring headed goals that put them on 40 points, and moved them up to eighth place.
Girona were without Yassine Bono in goal, and Pedro Porro was left out of the squad after his exertions with Spain's U21 team. Eusebio went with a 4-1-4-1 formation with Marc Muniesa screening the back four.
The first half was light on goalmouth action, just a back-heel by Williams easily saved by Gorka Iraizoz - facing his former club.
And then Stuani's superb header from Raul Garcia Carnero's inviting cross. The Uruguayan out-jumped Inigo Martinez to bury his 17th goal of the league campaign, and his fifth in six league games. He now has an amazing 39 goals in 61 games for Girona.
But Girona, so vulnerable at home this season, crumbled in the second half. Athletic were playing a 4-2-3-1 formation with Benat Etxebarria and Dani Garcia excellent screens in front of their back four, and Ander Capa - back in the team after three games out injured - impressive at right back.
Left back Yuri Berchiche - making his 100th La Liga start - provided the cross for Williams to equalise, after excellent play from Raul Garcia in the build up.
And just six minutes later the influential Williams provided his fourth assist of the season: crossing for Raul Garcia to score for the fifth time in eight league games.
These two headed goals took the wind out of Girona, who had little in the way of a response. Alex Granell tested Iago Herrerin with 15 minutes remaining, and substitute Seydou Doumbia missed a decent late chance, but all in all Athletic protected their league with comfort. They've now won eight of their 15 league games under Garitano, picking up 29 points since his appointment. They face Levante at home on Wednesday, followed by a huge game at Getafe next weekend. If they can pick up six points from those two games, who knows how high up they could finish. They've conceded only nine goals in 15 games under Garitano.
For Girona this was a disappointing night. Next they face Atletico Madrid away, followed by a Catalan derby at home to Espanyol. They are currently nine points clear of safety. At home they've given up 13 points from winning positions, and earned just 12 points all season.
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