Athletic Bilbao have made it five wins on the bounce in all competitions by edging out Espanyol 2-1 at San Mames.
Los Leones were up and running within the opening eight minutes thanks to a top-class individual strike from Inaki Williams.
The 21-year-old took one touch to lift a long ball up field over an opposition defender, before using the second touch to volley the ball into the top corner.
Mikel Balenziaga had to be alert to deny Espanyol a way back into the game soon after, while Raul Garcia also came close to find a way through in an evenly-matched first half.
Espanyol did manage to level things up soon after the restart, though, courtesy of another fine goal this time provided by Hernan Perez.
The winger slotted the ball home after racing on to a smart pass over the top, but Bilbao were able to edge back in front when an unmarked Garcia volleyed home Markel Susaeta's cross.
That proved to be it in terms of goalmouth action, as Ernesto Valverde's men held out for three more points to close in on a European berth in La Liga.
Daniel Lewis
