Athletic Bilbao and Deportivo La Coruna have played out an entertaining 1-1 draw at San Mames in La Liga.

The Galician visitors could have pulled ahead as early as the first minute had Riki's effort not been saved by Gorka Iraizoz between the Bilbao posts.

Eight minutes later Oscar De Marcos saw his attempt saved by Depor custodian German Lux, before Abel Aguilar came close for the visitors.

Fernando Llorente was unlucky not to break the deadlock at San Mames in the 18th minute when he headed Markel Susaeta's delivery against the Depor crossbar, before having a shot saved by Lux.

Bilbao eventually made the breakthrough and the opening goal of the evening came in the 23rd minute, De Marcos slotting home Susaeta's pass.

Llorente came close to adding to the scoreline on 38 minutes with a left-footed shot that went just wide.

Deportivo restored parity in the 52nd minute when Abel Aguilar headed in Juan Carlos Valeron's delivery from close range.

Three minutes later Pizzi tested Iraizoz with his left-footed shot from outside the box, and soon after Bilbao attacker Iker Muniain's shot from distance sailed over the Depor crossbar.

The Basque giants continued to dominate proceedings at San Mames, with Fernando Amorebieta, Muniain, Llorente and De Marcos all trying their luck but in vain during the remainder of the contest.