Athletic Club returned to winning ways and boosted their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification as they claimed a comfortable 1-0 LaLiga victory over Las Palmas.
Back-to-back wins had propelled Las Palmas out of the bottom three, but after a dramatic late triumph against Atlético Madrid last time out, they were quickly brought back down to earth as Athletic Club marched into a sixth-minute lead.
Inaki Williams’ trickery prised the visitors open with the forward slipping in behind the Las Palmas defence before deftly slotting the ball into the net from close range.
Whilst still looking to secure a top-five finish, Athletic’s main focus appears to be their forthcoming UEFA Europa League semi-final tie, and the early precautionary withdrawal of playmaker Oihan Sancet highlighted where Ernesto Valverde’s priorities currently lie.
Las Palmas enjoyed good spells with the ball but lacked a cutting edge as the opening half passed them by.
Having eased themselves through first-half proceedings, Athletic picked up the tempo at the start of the second and were almost rewarded when Alex Berenguer headed Oscar de Marcos’ inviting cross against the crossbar.
The hosts maintained a firm grip on proceedings heading into the final half-hour and threatened to wrap the contest up with the introduction of talisman Nico Williams.
Las Palmas’ attack had looked increasingly isolated until Adnan Januzaj almost levelled in outrageous fashion.
Picking up the ball 25 yards from goal, the substitute unleashed a wonderful dipping half-volley that bounced back off the bar.
That chance breathed fresh life into Las Palmas, with Jamie Mata and Marc Conda having chances deflected away in quick succession as the visitors rallied late on.
Ultimaely, though, Los Leones saw out the remainder of the match. The result ensures they continue their incredible form at San Mamés, having lost just once on home turf since August 2023 (W22, D12) whilst extending their lead over sixth-place Real Betis Balompieto nine points. Las Palmas, meanwhile, remain a point above the bottom three, with a home game against Valencia up next.
