Athletic Bilbao travelled to Espanyol on Monday looking to record their fourth win of the La Liga season.
It was the home side that took the lead after 24 minutes when Victor Sanchez struck a wonderful effort into the top corner, but Oscar de Marcos levelled for Bilbao in the latter stages of the first period.
Espanyol regained the lead in the early stages of the second half when Sanchez converted from close range, before Sergio Garcia made it 3-1 after 66 minutes.
Ibai Gomez had one back for Bilbao in stoppage time, but it was too little too late as the home side held on for all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week five in La Liga is completed this evening as Espanyol welcome Athletic Bilbao. Both sides have made encouraging starts to the season with Espanyol, who are unbeaten, recording eight points from four matches, while Bilbao have won three of the first four games of the season.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Espanyol have enjoyed the best of it with three wins from the last five games, with the other two ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding match last season ended in a 3-3 draw in September 2012, but Espanyol were 4-0 winners when they travelled to San Mames in February.
When Javier Aguirre took charge of Espanyol in November 2012, the club were languishing in the bottom three of La Liga. The experienced Mexican performed miracles in the second part of the campaign, however, with the 54-year-old leading them to a comfortable 13th-place finish. The early indications are that a top-half finish could be on the cards this season.
They began their campaign with a 2-2 draw at Celta Vigo, before picking up their first three points of the season one week later with a 3-1 win over Valencia. A credible goalless draw with Real Betis followed at the beginning of September, before they continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 win over Granada last time out.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Colotto, Moreno, Fuentes, J Lopez; Simao, Sanchez, D Lopez, Garcia; Stuani, Pizzi
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Gurpegi; Benat, Iturraspe, Rico; Aduriz, Muniain, De Marcos
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Espanyol XI this evening with Pizzi joining Christian Stuani in attack, while Sergio Garcia also starts on the left. Lanzarote, however, drops to the bench. Bilbao recall Oscar de Marcos and Mikel Rico, but Manchester United target Ander Herrera drops to the bench.
Bilbao, meanwhile, look a new team this season. For a team that so comfortably took apart Manchester United in the Europa League the season before last, it proved to be a highly disappointing campaign for the Basque outfit last term. It has been a summer of change, however, with former Valencia boss Ernesto Valverde replacing Marcelo Bielsa at the helm and a number of players seeking pastures new.
The signing of Benat has certainly been a major contributor to their form, with the Spanish midfielder slotting into their side effortlessly. They began their season with a 2-1 win at Real Valladolid, before they made it six points from six with a 2-0 win over Osasuna. They were defeated at Real Madrid on September 1, but recovered with a 3-2 win over Celta Vigo last weekend.
PREDICTION: In many ways, this is the most fascinating La Liga fixture of the weekend. Both sides have made very positive starts to the season, with Bilbao arguably playing their best football in the last 12 months. It is difficult to separate them and therefore I am going to have to sit on the fence and back a score draw at the El Prat.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news - Pizzi, Stuani and Garcia all start in an attacking lineup for Espanyol, but Bilbao leave Herrera and Susaeta both on the bench.
It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. Both teams enter the match in good form, which has created a feel-good atmosphere among both sets of supporters. Perfect evening for a night of football - let's hope for entertainment at the El Prat. Espanyol get the action underway.
The pitch is also in perfect condition this evening, which should allow both sides to play their football. Early clash between Stuani and Muniain gains the Espanyol striker a free kick, but Simao delivers it straight into the arms of Iraizoz. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - could be vital this evening.
Another opportunity for Espanyol to put a free kick into the Bilbao box moments later, but Simao's delivery is headed over the crossbar by Moreno. Some suspect defending from Bilbao during that set piece. Plenty of short, sharp passing in the opening four minutes, with both sides boasting a number of fine technical players in their midfield.
Kiko Casilla is called into action moments later to deal with a strange back-pass from Moreno, but the Spaniard does manage to clear under pressure from Aduriz. The home side advance down the other end with Stuani moments later, but the powerful striker cannot find the run of Garcia, who had just evaded San Jose with a clever run.
It's good work from Stuani once more as the Espanyol forward moves past Laporte before delivering a low cross into the box, but San Jose is on the cover. Not too much from the likes of Muniain and De Marcos in the opening eight minutes with the home side in control of the possession. Composed opening to proceedings this evening.
Good pressure from Bilbao in the last couple of moments with the likes of Rico and Benat starting to have more of an influence in the opposing half. A foul from Moreno allows the Basque outfit the chance to deliver a free kick into the box moments later, Aduriz's header appears to hit the hand of Colotto, but the referee is not interested.
Oh my good grief that is just about as clear a penalty as you will ever see. Aduriz's header was travelling towards goal, only for Colotto to wave an arm into the ball. It has not stopped the flow of pressure, however, with Bilbao passing and probing outside the home side's box. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock at the El Prat.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Pizzi has been involved with two crosses into the box in quick succession, but Bilbao manage to clear the danger. Interesting tactical battle developing between these two in-form La Liga sides.
The tempo has just dropped inside the stadium, but the Bilbao supporters are the ones making the noise. It cannot be said that either side is in control of proceedings at the moment, however, with each exchanging periods with the ball. There is plenty of attacking talent on the pitch, but neither team has created an opportunity of note thus far. Still goalless at the El Prat.
Pizzi takes matters into his own hands with an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target. The referee is called into action moments later to issue a card to Moreno for a late challenge on Aduriz. However, the resulting free kick is cut short to Iturraspe, before it breaks down. Very disappointing from what was a dangerous position outside the box.
It isn't quite happening for Garcia at the moment as the Espanyol skipper twice attempts to find the run of Pizzi in quick succession, but both passes are cut out. The atmosphere was electric inside the stadium in the first couple of moments, but the drop in proceedings on the pitch is a direct reflection of the lack of noise from the supporters. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock.
Muniain is again involved in a clash with Victor Sanchez, with the Espanyol midfielder chopping the Spaniard to the ground. De Marcos picks up the pieces inside the Espanyol box moments later, but he just cannot turn under pressure from Javi Lopez. It is the type of match that is in desperate need of a goal to just open up proceedings.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Bilbao (Sanchez)
Good grief that is some strike from Victor Sanchez. Out of nowhere the midfielder collects possession outside the box before thumping a stunning effort into the top corner. No chance for Iraizoz. Well, that has certainly livened the atmosphere.
Espanyol have proved difficult to break down this season, which will make it tough for Bilbao. However, the away side have offered plenty to suggest that they can cause problems this evening. The away side are down the other end moments later with Aduriz, but his effort is blocked by Juan Fuentes at the vital moment.
It's good work from Pizzi as the Portuguese evades the challenge of San Jose before delivering a cross towards Stuani, but Iraizoz comes to collect at the vital moment. We will find out a lot about Bilbao's character this evening as they attempt to turn this game around. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Barcelona.
It is perhaps too early to think about changes, but surely Valverde will be thinking about introducing the likes of Herrera and Susaeta. De Marcos has hardly featured thus far, while they are missing Herrera's ability in tight spaces. Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the home side comfortable in possession of the ball.
Aduriz becomes the first Bilbao player to enter the book for a really poor challenge on Sanchez in the middle of midfield. It has not been a dirty match, but the referee has been forced to intervene following a number of late tackles in the opening 34 minutes of football. Sanchez's goal is all that separates the sides with little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
CHANCE! Bilbao's clearest opportunity by some distance comes to Muniain as the Spaniard evades Casilla in the Espanyol goal before attempting to slot into the bottom corner, but Moreno is across to make a fine clearance at the vital moment. It is hardly breaking news, but Muniain really needs to score more goals for a player of his ability.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both defences nice and compact. Both sides are attempting to play their way through, but the best couple of opportunities have come from high balls into the box. The one moment of magic came from Sanchez, whose effort ended up in the top corner. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Opportunity for Espanyol to threaten the Bilbao box as Simao stands over a free kick in a wide position, but Stuani can only flick his header wide of the post from close range. The home side have certainly been the more likely, with Bilbao struggling to get the likes of De Marcos and Muniain into the game. It would not be a surprise to see changes at the interval.
Fairly comfortable for Espanyol at the moment as they continue to pass and probe outside the Bilbao box. Neither team has offered too much in the final third, but if it were a boxing match, then Espanyol would be winning on points. Fairly low-key opening 44 minutes of football in this La Liga encounter in Barcelona.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-1 Bilbao (De Marcos)
What was I saying? Not too much has happened? Well something has happened now. It's wonderful work from Benat as the midfielder finds Rico, whose low cross into the box is turned into the back of the net by De Marcos. What a time to equalise for the away side.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 1-1 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the scores level at 1-1. A stunning strike from Sanchez had moved the home side into the lead, but De Marcos struck late in the half to level proceedings. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Bilbao have had more of the possession with 59%, but Espanyol have had three attempts to the away side's two. The major talking point, however, will be the referee's decision not to award Bilbao a penalty in the early stages despite Colotto clearly handling inside the box.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Bifouma, German and Lanzarote. Meanwhile, Bilbao have the likes of Ibai Gomez, Susaeta and Herrera in reserve. It would not be a surprise to see the away side look to their bench at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Espanyol's unbeaten start to the season is still in tact at this stage of proceedings, but you just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals. Bilbao get the action underway in the second period.
Neither manager looked to their bench at the interval, but I suspect that would not have been the case if Bilbao had not scored in the latter stages of the half. Espanyol had the better chances, but neither side really dominated the opening 45 minutes. The next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in a match of this magnitude.
Half-chance for Espanyol as Stuani finds some room inside the box before cutting it back towards Garcia, but Iraizoz is alive to the danger. The pressure continues moments later as Pizzi threatens to move beyond the challenge of San Jose, but the Spaniard manages to clear at the vital moment. Lively opening to the second period in Barcelona.
GOAL! Espanyol 2-1 Bilbao (Sanchez)
Espanyol regain the lead in the early stages of the second period and once more it is their midfielder Sanchez. Wonderful work from Garcia as the skipper finds Sanchez, who fires it into the bottom corner. It had been coming.
Bilbao are down the other end moments later with Muniain, but the winger is felled by Moreno. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Benat, but Lopez is on hand with the clearance. It falls to De Marcos, but his effort flashes wide of the post. Incredible intensity to this La Liga fixture with Espanyol leading 2-1 after 53 minutes.
Bilbao just need to keep their heads at the moment with a number of decisions seemingly going against them in quick succession. The home supporters are creating an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium, which is being transmitted to their team. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening. Far from it.
Bilbao just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue in the final third. Pizzi is the target inside the box, but Garcia's cross is cleared by San Jose. It appears that Bilbao are preparing to introduce Ibai Gomez, which is not much of a surprise.
Indeed the change is made with Ibai entering the field in place of Iturraspe, who has struggled to influence proceedings in the middle of the park. It is a surprise that we have not seen Herrera, especially with Bilbao struggling to keep hold of possession in midfield. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining with Espanyol leading 2-1 courtesy of a double from Sanchez.
Opportunity for Bilbao to threaten from a set piece with Fuentes fouling Ibai outside the box. The Spaniard takes the resulting free kick, but Colotto rises to clear under pressure from De Marcos. It falls to Muniain moments later, but his effort moves high and wide of the target.
Half-chance for the away side moments later as Aduriz meets a cross from Ibai, but his header is straight into the arms of Casilla. Espanyol are forced into their first change of the evening as Fuentes leaves the field for Capdevila. Good spell for Bilbao in the last few moments with Muniain and De Marcos starting to see more of the ball.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Garcia finds some space outside the box before attempting to flash an effort into the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. It is a surprise that Bilbao have not looked to their bench for Herrera or Susaeta, especially at this stage of the match. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona.
GOAL! Espanyol 3-1 Bilbao (Garcia)
Espanyol score their third of the evening, but it comes in strange circumstances. Iraizoz twice denies Stuani and Garcia from close range, only to lose control of the ball at the vital moment, allowing Garcia's header to drop into the back of the net. Incredible situation, but the home side have a comprehensive lead.
CHANCE! Opportunity for Sanchez to score his third for the home side as he finds some space inside the Bilbao box, but his final touch just takes him wide of the goal, allowing the Bilbao stopper out to make the save. Bilbao are all over the place at the moment with the home side running riot.
End-to-end football in the last few moments with Aduriz turning just wide of the target for Bilbao before Pizzi advances into the Bilbao box, only to lose control at the vital moment. Still Valverde refuses to look to his bench, with the decision stranger with each passing moment. Even at 3-1, you get the feeling that this match is not over as a contest.
A mistake from Lopez allows Benat to collect possession just outside the Espanyol box, but he can only find Aduriz in an offside position. Not too much from the home side as an attacking threat in the last few moments, but both managers are preparing to make changes with little over 15 minutes of action remaining.
Bilbao make their two obvious changes with Herrera and Susaeta entering the field in place of De Marcos and Benat, while Espanyol also make a change with Torje replacing Simao. A free kick from Ibai threatens the home side's penalty box moments later, but Colotto is on hand to clear with a powerful header.
One-way traffic in the last few moments with the away side in complete control at the final third, but it could be a case of too little too late. Espanyol's tempo has certainly dropped, but they are the team with a two-goal lead. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Barcelona. Will there be a late sting in the tail?
Espanyol simply cannot keep hold of the possession at the moment with Bilbao forcing numbers forward in each attack. Two corners in quick succession threaten to bring the away side's second, but the first is headed behind by Moreno before San Jose heads into the arms of Casilla.
Half-chance for Aduriz as the Bilbao forward finds himself free inside the box, but he can only clip his header over the crossbar. Espanyol make their third change of the evening moments later with Pizzi replaced by Abraham. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.
Susaeta is involved for the away side moments later as he drives past two challenges before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but Moreno is on hand to make the clearance. Lopez attempts to carry possession away for Espanyol, but he is challenged by Gurpegi. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals this evening, even with little over five minutes remaining.
Opportunity for Abraham as the Espanyol midfielder picks up the pieces outside the box, but he can only rattle his effort high into the stands. I am not sure his manager will be too disappointed, however, as the clock continues to run down. Ibai is down the other end moments later, but he flashes his effort wide of the post. It just hasn't happened for Bilbao this evening.
Espanyol have just taken control of the possession in last few moments, with Bilbao almost accepting that they are going to suffer their second league defeat of the season. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes at the end of normal time.
GOAL! Espanyol 3-2 Bilbao (Ibai Gomez)
Stunning effort from Ibai as the midfielder sweeps a wonderful free kick into the top corner from some 30 yards. Now, have Bilbao got enough time to force a late equaliser here?
Bilbao continue to pump the ball into the Espanyol box, but San Jose loses possession, before Aduriz fells Moreno just outside the box. The home side have possession with surely little under a minute to play. It is a case of too little too late for the Basque outfit.
FULL-TIME: Espanyol 3-2 Bilbao
So there we have it. Espanyol pick up all three points with a 3-2 win over Bilbao. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us throughout the week for a number of La Liga fixtures. Good evening!
