Week 20's final La Liga clash pitted Athletic Bilbao against Real Valladolid at San Mames.
The home side had the better of the chances in the first period, but trailed at the interval to a goal from Oscar Gonzalez.
However, Bilbao were level after 65 minutes through Ibai Gomez, before Oscar de Marcos made it 2-1 after 75 minutes.
The home side were not finished, however, as Gomez scored his second late on, before Ander Herrera added a fourth.
Valdet Rama registered a late consolation for Valladolid, but it was a case of too little too late for the visitors as Bilbao continued their unbeaten home record this season.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week 20 in La Liga draws to a close this evening as Athletic Bilbao welcome Real Valladolid to San Mames. The home side are battling for a top-four position following a successful campaign to date, but Valladolid are in a relegation battle having won just three of their 19 league games this season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have won three of the last five matches, while the further two fixtures have ended in draws. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 2-0 home win, while Bilbao were 2-1 winners at Valladolid earlier this season.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, Gurpegi, Laporte, Balenziaga; Iturraspe, Benat; Susaeta, Herrera, Ibai; Aduriz
VALLADOLID: Marino; Rukavina, Valiente, Pena, Bergdich; Rubio, Perez, Rossi, Ebert; Oscar, Guerra
So there we have it. No Iker Muniain for Bilbao this evening, meaning that Ibai Gomez comes into the XI. Aduriz is preferred in attack to Kike Sola, while Benat also starts. No real surprises in the Valladolid side, however, with leading scorer Javi Guerra once more gaining support from Patrick Ebert and Oscar. Former Manchester United striker Manucho is on the bench.
Much of Bilbao’s success this season has been due to impressive home form. They have won eight of their 10 league games at San Mames this season, remaining unbeaten in the process. To put that into context, they have taken more points on their own patch this season than Real Madrid have at the Bernabeu.
Their away form, however, has been disappointing. They have won just three of their nine matches, losing five times in the process. They lost their last match on the road to Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, but recovered with a 2-0 home win to book their spot in the final eight. Another positive result this evening would see them regain fourth spot in the table.
Bilbao ended Week 19 in fourth, two points clear of Villarreal and four clear of Real Sociedad, but the former have moved into fourth following their win over Almeria. Throw Sevilla into the mix and you would expect fourth position to go to one of those sides. The battle for the title is fascinating, but the fight for fourth is expected to go all the way.
Valladolid, meanwhile, have won just three of their 19 league games this season, with a total of 16 points leaving them in 18th position in the table. They are winless in their last four in all competitions and have not picked up a league win since beating Celta Vigo on December 16. They are one of seven or eight sides that are battling relegation this season.
Two of Valladolid’s three league wins this season have come on their own patch, where they have lost just three times. Hardly strong form, but it is significantly better than the teams around them. However, they have really struggled on the road with just one win from their 10 matches, losing six times in the process.
PREDICTION: In truth, it is really difficult to make a case for Valladolid this evening. They have been poor on the road, while Bilbao have been in stunning form on their own patch. I would be astounded if that record did not continue this evening. My score prediction is 3-1 Bilbao at San Mames.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Let's hope for an entertaining contest on this mild evening in Spain. The away side get the first half underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a strong atmosphere. Sharp start from Valladolid as Ebert carries possession down the right before delivering a cross towards Guerra, but Laporte is on hand to clear the danger. Bilbao settle moments later and indeed take control of the ball.
Good spell for the home side in the last couple of moments with the likes of Ibai and Herrera threatening in wide areas. The latter delivers a deep cross into the box towards Aduriz, but Pena is on hand to clear. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of contest.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side to take the lead as Ibai drives into the box before rolling a low cross towards Herrera, but Marino is on hand to push over the crossbar from close range. Stunning save from the Spaniard. From the resulting corner, Ibai fires high and wide of the crossbar.
Balenziaga tries his luck from distance for the home side, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Valladolid are down the other end with Ebert moments later, but his cross is into the arms of Iraizoz. It has been far from one-way traffic with the away side offering a threat in the final third. Still goalless with nine minutes on the clock at San Mames.
Half-chance for the home side as Laporte rises in the box before meeting a corner from Susaeta, but his header is just high of the crossbar. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, Valladolid break with Ebert, but the German is crowded out in the final third. It remains goalless, but it has been an entertaining 11 minutes of La Liga football.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Valladolid continue to enjoy solid possession in the Bilbao half. Bilbao remain a threat in wide areas, but they have not threatened since that early chance for Herrera. Just a reminder that a win would take them back into fourth.
The pressure continues from the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but Pena and Valiente take it in turns to clear the danger. Aduriz finds himself unmarked in the Valladolid box moments later, but he can only force a cross into the arms of Marino.
GOAL! Bilbao 0-1 Valladolid (Oscar)
Valladolid lead inside 15 minutes as Ebert's shot deflects into the path of Oscar, who slides home from close range. Bilbao wanted offside, but the flag stayed down. Well, that was not in the script.
Immediate chance for Bilbao to level the scores as Benat forces a free kick outside the box following a challenge from Pena. The resulting set piece is taken by Benat, but his effort is straight into the wall. The stadium has been silenced here.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to level the scores as Aduriz attempts to turn a low cross past Marino, but the Valladolid stopper is on hand to make a fine save. Bilbao had a penalty shout moments before when Ebert appeared to handle, but the referee was not interested.
The pressure continues from the home side as Valiente turns a low Susaeta cross over his own crossbar. Ibai collects in a wide area before delivering towards Aduriz, but Rukavina rises to clear. End-to-end football with 23 minutes on the clock in this pulsating La Liga contest.
Another half-chance for Valladolid as Oscar finds some space inside the box, but his final touch is just too heavy and Iraola is on hand to clear the danger. Chances at both ends as this match continues to gather pace. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment, which is creating an enthralling contest.
CHANCE! The chances continue to arrive - this time Bilbao come close as Herrera strikes one from the edge of the box, which Marino spills. However, the Valladolid goalkeeper does manage to gather at the second time of asking under pressure from Aduriz. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.
One-way traffic from the home side in the last couple of moments as they continue to force the issue, but Valladolid remain a clear threat on the counter. Perez attempts to curl one towards the top corner, but Iraizoz is on hand to make the save, before Susaeta's cross is deflected just wide of the Valladolid post down the other end.
Opportunity for Bilbao to threaten from a set piece as Herrera is felled by Rukavina just outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken by Ibai, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining at San Mames.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments with a number of late challenges from both sides. You just get the feeling that Valladolid need to hold onto this lead until the interval if they are to take something from this match.
Another half-chance for the home side as Aduriz meets a cross from Laporte, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Valladolid break down the other end with Bergdich, but Guerra is found in an offside position. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining at San Mames.
Couple of offside decisions have gone against Valladolid in the last minute or two as the away side continue to threaten on the counter. Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde is not pleased with his side at the moment as he continues to parade the touchline, but it has been an entertaining contest. Still Valladolid lead with 39 minutes on the clock.
Stoppage in play in the last couple of moments as Guerra clashes with Gurpegi, but both players return to the field following a period of treatment. The home supporters remain in good voice, but their side still trail. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining at San Mames.
Another half-chance for the home side as Ibai finds some space inside the Valladolid box before drilling a low cross towards Aduriz, but Pena is on hand to clear the danger. The atmosphere inside the stadium continues to rise as the first period enters its latter stages. Valladolid are crying out for half time to arrive as the one-way traffic continues.
HALF TIME: Bilbao 0-1 Valladolid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Valladolid leading 1-0 courtesy of a close-range finish from Oscar after 15 minutes. Bilbao have dominated large periods of the contest, but have thus far been unable to make the breakthrough.
STATISTICS: Bilbao have dominated the possession with 64%, while they have had 13 attempts - six of which have been on target - to Valladolid's four. That said, the away side have threatened on a number of occasions on the counter attack.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Kike Sola, Oscar de Marcos and Saborit. Meanwhile, Valladolid have the likes of Daniel Larsson, Manucho and Omar Ramos in reserve. It is a match that could be decided from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that Bilbao have not lost on their own patch this season. Can Valladolid break that record this evening? The home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. However, I suspect changes will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 20 minutes or so. Bright start from Bilbao, who have immediately taken control of the possession in the Valladolid half. It could be a long half for the away side.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bilbao to level as Aduriz finds Ibai just inside the box, but his curling effort is saved by Marino. Terrific goalkeeping from the Spaniard. He might have to make a few more of those this half.
Valladolid are struggling to keep hold of the ball at the moment as Bilbao continue to force the issue in wide areas. However, you can just sense the frustration in the crowd, which will boost Valladolid. Marino is once more forced to make a point-blank save to deny Herrera.
Slight stoppage in play in the last couple of moments as Valiente hits the deck, but it would not be a surprise if this was a tactic to slow the match. Bilbao are having attempts from all angles at the moment, but Marino continues to impress between the sticks. It remains 1-0 with 55 minutes on the clock.
The frustration for Bilbao continues as Aduriz loses his footing in a wide area, bringing to a close another attack. Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure from Valladolid, but they continue to impress defensively. Little over 30 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining. This would be the most unlikeliest of results.
Valladolid make their first change of the match as Daniel Larsson replaces Perez. It appears to be a tactical decision rather than one forced due to injury. Still no movement on the Bilbao bench, which is a surprise at this stage of proceedings. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals.
Bilbao do indeed make their first change moments later as De Marcos replaces Benat, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. It is almost like a training exercise at the moment with attack versus defence, but Valladolid continue to resist the pressure.
Bilbao continue to force the issue in the Valladolid half, but they are finding it difficult to really test Marino. Valladolid remain a threat on the counter with the movement of Guerra, but they are yet to threaten this half. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining at San Mames.
Another half-chance for Bilbao as Ibai delivers a dangerous cross into the Valladolid box, but Susaeta cannot make contact at the vital moment. If Bilbao score in the next 10 minutes then you would fancy them to claim all the points, but Valladolid will have other ideas.
GOAL! Bilbao 1-1 Valladolid (Gomez)
Bilbao equalise after 65 minutes as Gomez capitalises on a loose save from Marino before slotting his effort into the bottom corner. It had been coming. Game on!
Valladolid needed to find a way to stem the flow of pressure and they were unable to do so. The goal is not a surprise and you would have to fancy Bilbao from this position. The crowd is up as they break down the right once more. Little over 20 minutes of this pulsating contest remaining.
Conducted by the impressive Iturraspe, Bilbao continue to threaten with a series of through balls in the final third, but Aduriz has moved too soon twice in quick succession. It would not be a surprise to see Sola introduced for the final stages. Just a reminder that Bilbao have won eight of their 10 home games in the league this season, remaining unbeaten in the process.
Valladolid have managed to quell some of the pressure in the last couple of moments with a period of possession, but the move breaks down when Ebert attempts to find Guerra. Bilbao are straight down the other end with Ibai, but his cross is delivered into the arms of Marino.
Not too much in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Bilbao continue to force the issue with a series of crosses into the Valladolid box. In truth, a draw would be a terrific result for the away side and it is not a surprise that they have retreated.
GOAL! Bilbao 2-1 Valladolid (De Marcos)
Bilbao complete the turnaround as De Marcos heads home from close range following a leap from Aduriz inside the box. Valladolid are left stunned at San Mames.
It is harsh on Valladolid, but it had been coming. Bilbao have been the better side from start to finish this evening there is no question about that. However, Valladolid continue to carry a threat in the final third and will be confident of turning this game on its head once more. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Both sides make changes as the second period enters its latter stages. Bilbao introduce Erik Moran in place of Susaeta, who has tired in the second half. Meanwhile, Valladolid introduce Valdet Rama for Guerra and Manucho for Ebert.
You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match and the pressure continues from both teams. Valladolid have the chance to deliver a free kick into the Bilbao box as Moran fells Larsson, but the resulting set piece is cleared by Iturraspe, who has been extremely impressive this evening. Manucho does manage to meet a cross moments later, but his header is straight at Irazioz.
GOAL! Bilbao 3-1 Valladolid (Gomez)
Bilbao have their third after 83 minutes as Ibai Gomez dances into the box before slotting his effort into the bottom corner. He has been terrific this evening.
Bilbao have been just stunning in the second period, with Iturraspe and Gomez leading the charge. Valladolid have simply been unable to cope with the constant pressure. As it stands, the home side will move into fourth position in the table.
GOAL! Bilbao 4-1 Valladolid (Herrera)
Bilbao have their fourth in the latter stages as Herrera heads a De Marcos cross into the back of the net from close range. Wow. Stunning second half from the Basque outfit.
Bilbao look to their bench once more as two-goal Gomez is replaced by Saborit for the final stages of this contest. Bilbao have now scored 10 times in their last two home games in the league.
GOAL! Bilbao 4-2 Valladolid (Rama)
Valladolid score their second in additional time, of which there are three minutes, as Rama dances into the box before slotting his effort into the bottom corner.
FULL TIME: Bilbao 4-2 Valladolid
So there we have it. What a match at San Mames. Bilbao return to fourth spot in La Liga following a 4-2 win over Valladolid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
