Goals from Denis Cheryshev and Bruno were enough for Villarreal to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 in La Liga.

The visitors made a fast start and almost took the lead through Borja Viguera, but his effort was acrobatically saved by Sergio Asenjo, before Cheryshev went close as he flashed a shot across the face of goal.

Gabriel Paulista threatened for the hosts with a header from Jonathan dos Santos's cross which landed marginally wide, before Unai Lopez came within inches of heading Bilbao into the lead.

Cheryshev struck in the 42nd minute when he thumped the ball high into the corner after running on to Victor Ruiz's pass.

The hosts chased a second early after the break, and Cheryshev went close as he hit the post from the centre of the box.

Villarreal wrapped up the points in the final stages when Oscar De Marcos conceded a penalty after he handled it in the area, and Bruno converted the spot kick into the bottom corner.