Athletic Bilbao travelled to the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on Monday knowing that three points against Granada would move them into fourth spot in La Liga.
The home side had the better of the opportunities in the first period, but neither could make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
Granada took the lead in the early stages of the second half, however, with Youssef El-Arabi converting from the penalty spot, before the striker added his second just past the hour mark.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Week seven in La Liga is completed this evening as Granada welcome Bilbao. As mentioned, it has been a difficult start to the season for Granada, who have managed just five points from their opening six matches. Bilbao, however, have been impressive thus far with four wins and two defeats from their six matches thus far.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Bilbao have won two of the last four, with Granada winning once and the other ending in a draw. Bilbao did the double over Granada last season with a 2-1 win in this stadium followed by a 1-0 win on their home patch. However, much has changed at both clubs over the summer.
Granada opened their season in positive fashion with a 2-1 win over Osasuna, but that has been their only win of the season to date. They lost to Real Madrid one week later, before drawing 1-1 with Celta Vigo. Another defeat against Espanyol followed, before they drew 0-0 with Real Betis and lost 1-0 to Valencia last time out.
They have also struggled to find the back of the net this season with just three goals in their six matches, which is the worst total in the division. They have conceded just five times, but their lack of goal-threat has certainly been a worry in the early part of the season. However, they have the perfect opportunity to put some points on the board this evening.
Bilbao, meanwhile, showed their determination to come from behind to beat Real Betis on Thursday evening. Having dominated, they fell behind to a Jorge Molina strike, but managed to turn it around in the latter stages. It was the type of match that they would have lost last season, which is an indication of how far they have come over the summer.
They opened their season with an impressive 2-1 win over Real Valladolid, before making it six points from six with victory over Osasuna. Defeat to Real Madrid followed, but they got back on track with a 3-2 win over Celta Vigo. Their second defeat of the season followed in a 3-2 reverse against Espanyol, before returning to form with a 2-1 win over Betis on Thursday.
They have conceded 10 times in their first six matches, keeping just one clean sheet in the process. However, they have found the back of the net on 12 occasions, which after week six, was the fourth-best record behind the obvious top three. If Bilbao are serious about European football this season, they will be expected to pick up all the points from this type of match.
TEAMS:
GRANADA XI: Roberto; Diakhate, Angulo, Nyom, Murillo; Iturra, Buonanotte, Brahimi, Pereira, Recio; El-Arabi
ATHLETIC BILBAO XI: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Laporte, Gurpegi; Susaeta, Benat, Rico, Herrera; Aduriz, Ibai
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Granada XI this evening with El-Arabi once more handed the lone role in attack. Meanwhile, Diego Buonanotte and Manuel Iturra are also selected, but Dani Benitez is named on the bench. Bilbao, meanwhile, leave Iker Muniain on the bench once more with Ibai Gomez continuing in an advanced area. Plenty of attacking talent on display this evening.
PREDICTION: It has not been the start to the season that Granada would have wanted, while their new signings have failed to ignite thus far. They will have earmarked their home matches as the chance to put points on the board, but Bilbao enter this match in fine form. Ibai Gomez is one of the form players in the league and I expect him to star in an away win for the Basque outfit.
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. Three points for Granada would move them away from the bottom three, while Bilbao would move fourth with a win. The home side get the action underway.
Interesting effort from El-Arabi as the Granada forward attempts to beat Iraizoz from the half-way line, but it moves high and wide of the crossbar. It must be said that the atmosphere inside the stadium is incredible this evening. The home side have not won any of their three matches in this stadium this season, or indeed scored a goal, but the support is there. Let's hope for an entertaining fixture.
First sign of Aduriz as the Bilbao striker collects possession down the right before attempting to move past Murillo, but the Spaniard is challenged at the final moment. Herrera is operating in an attacking midfield area for the away side this evening, with Ibai playing from the left. Neither team has been allowed to settle thus far with the high intensity in the middle of the park.
It promises to be a difficult night for El-Arabi with the Granada forward operating as the lone striker this evening. A searching pass from Recio attempts to find the forward, but San Jose was always in control of the situation. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be all-important in this type of match.
Better form Bilbao in the middle of the park as Benat combines with Rico before attempting to find the run of Aduriz, but Angulo is across to clear at the vital moment. Granada attempt to break down the other end with the pace and invention of Buonanotte, but the Argentine's cross is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.
Not too much for either set of supporters to get excited about at the moment with both struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. A half-chance does arrive for the home side moments later as Nyom delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but San Jose clears under pressure from El-Arabi. Still goalless with 10 minutes on the clock.
Penalty shout for the away side as Aduriz goes down in the box under pressure from Roberto, but the referee is not interested. Good build-up between the striker and Herrera, which will hand Bilbao confidence. Diakhate's searching pass looks for Pereira down the other end moments later, but Iraizoz comes through traffic to collect the danger.
Another penalty shout for the away side as Aduriz goes down inside the box in a clash with Angulo, but once more the referee is unmoved. In keeping with the end-to-end period of the match, El-Arabi has an effort from outside the box moments later, but it was always moving wide of the post. Still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock in this La Liga encounter.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to arrive from both sides, but he has not seen fit to look to his book. Buonanotte has a half-chance moments later as he collects a low cross from Pereira, but Iraizoz is on hand to make a fine save, before the Bilbao goalkeeper collects the resulting corner.
Aduriz continues to look the most likely for the away side as he collects a low cross from Iraola, but his first touch just lets him down with Angulo across to clear the danger. Ibai picks up the pieces moments later before firing a dangerous cross into the box, but there are no takers. Still goalless, but plenty to be encouraged about thus far.
The full-backs of Bilbao continue to look long each time they gather possession, but Aduriz is struggling to find space in the final third. Diakhate again looks long for his centre-forward El-Arabi moments later, the striker does collect before feeding Pereira, but the Frenchman's effort is wide of the post. The opening 22 minutes have flown past this evening.
Granada continue to force the issue in the final third with Brahimi, Recio and Pereira combining to good effect. Eventually it comes to El-Arabi inside the box, he hits the deck under pressure from Gurpegi, but the referee is not interested. Bilbao are down the other end with Iraola moments later, but his cross is into the arms of the goalkeeper.
It's really bright work from Brahimi once more as the Granada midfielder drives past two defenders before finding El-Arabi inside the box, but his first touch lets him down, allowing San Jose across to clear the danger. Ibai has a half-chance on the counter moments later, but his low effort is smothered by Roberto. End-to-end football as we approach the 30-minute mark in the first period.
Plenty of possession for the away side, especially in wide areas, with the likes of Ibai and Susaeta seeing plenty of the ball, but the quality into the box has been short of the required standard thus far. Just a reminder that three points for Bilbao would move them into fourth position this evening. Just a few signs that the away side are starting to get a grip in midfield with Herrera, Benat and Rico enjoying more of the ball.
Rico takes matters into his own hands moments later as the Bilbao midfielder collects a pass from Herrera before driving into the box, but he can only fire his effort straight into the arms of Roberto. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Buonanotte dribbles into the Bilbao box, but he runs into a number of blue shirts.
Aduriz is in the wars again as he falls to the ground inside the Granada half, but the referee is not too concerned. The Bilbao striker has called for a couple of penalties thus far, but the official has not been interested. There did not seem to be too much in the challenge with Diakhate. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining with the two sides still level.
Couple of half-chances for the home side in quick succession as Ibai meets a low cross from Susaeta, but he scuffs his effort. It falls to Aduriz inside the box, but he loses his footing at the vital moment. Not too much for the Granada supporters to get excited about, meanwhile, with their side struggling for invention in the final third. Just a reminder that they are yet to score in this stadium this season.
Safe to say that the referee is not a favourite of the home supporters at the moment as he gives a couple of decisions to Bilbao in quick succession. Granada do manage to work the ball inside the Bilbao box moments later following a poor clearance from Laporte, but once more it breaks down at the final moment. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining with the two sides still level.
Nyom takes matters into his own hands moments later as he thumps an effort from outside the box, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Susaeta attempts to whip one into the top corner down the other end moments later, but it was wide of the post. Opportunities at both ends as we enter the final few minutes in what has been an entertaining first period.
Buonanotte is again the threat for Granada as the Argentine bursts into the Bilbao box, but the offside flag stops the attacker in his prime. Iturra comes close to capitalising on a loose back-pass from San Jose moments later, but Iraizoz manages to clear at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Meanwhile, a number of challenges continue to ham the tempo of the match. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period.
HALF-TIME: Granada 0-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Granada have had more of the possession, but Bilbao have also had their moments in the final third. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period with both managers having the options to alter proceedings.
STATISTICS: Granada have had more of the possession with 53%, while they have had five attempts to Bilbao's two. The referee has not yet issued a yellow card, but there have been a number of late challenges from both sides. Granada have also had a better pass success rate with 78% to Bilbao's 75%.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Riki, Dani Benitez and Ighalo. Meanwhile, Bilbao have the likes of Muniain, Oscar de Marcos and Toquero in reserve. It is the type of match that could ultimately be decided from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of supporters join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise at this stage of proceedings. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal. The away side get the second 45 minutes underway.
Early opportunity for Susaeta as the Bilbao midfielder cuts inside Murillo before attempting to curl his effort into the bottom corner, but Roberto is on hand to make the save. Buonanotte is down the other end moments later, but he loses possession before fouling Iraola, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
Well, the half-time interval has done nothing to quell the tempo here with both sides committing players forward in the early stages of the second period. Still the referee has not issued a card, but I would be astounded if that were the case come the end of play. Still goalless between these two La Liga rivals.
Good spell for Bilbao in the last couple of moments with the likes of Herrera and Benat enjoying plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. Ibai has been their best player in the last couple of weeks, but he has not yet had the desired impact on this match. Aduriz, meanwhile, continues to struggle for that elusive touch inside the box. The first goal - if we indeed have one - could be decisive in this type of match.
PENALTY TO GRANADA!
GOAL! Granada 1-0 Bilbao (El-Arabi)
Granada have the lead as El-Arabi converts from the penalty spot. Somewhat harsh decision from the referee, who penalises Herrera for a high foot on Murillo inside the box. It brings an immediate change from the away side as Muniain enters the field to replace Ibai.
There was a concern that this match was going to go a little bit stale in the second period, but that incident has certainly raised the tempo inside the stadium. Bilbao attempt to respond down the other end with an effort from Aduriz, but he can only curl wide of the post from inside the box. Still more than 30 minutes of normal time to play this evening.
Bilbao continue to force the issue as Benat whips a dangerous corner into the box, it is met by Aduriz, but he can only flick his header wide of the post. Another corner comes into the area moments later, but this time Nyom wins a free kick, much to the relief of the home supporters. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.
Much better tempo about the entire match at the moment with the noise levels inside the stadium raising the performance on the pitch. It has been a good response from Bilbao with Muniain bringing pace and invention in the final third, but the home side have defended well this evening. Little under 30 minutes of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance for the away side as Herrera meets a free kick from Benat, but Roberto is on hand to make the save. Bilbao make their second change of the match as Oscar de Marcos enters the field to replace Benat, who has struggled to stamp his authority on the match.
GOAL! Granada 2-0 Bilbao (El-Arabi)
Granada have their second of the evening as El-Arabi meets a flick from Diakhate before thumping his header into the back of the net. Bilbao had started the second period on the front foot, but they have been undone with two quick-fire goals from the home side.
Half-chance for the home side to extend their lead as El-Arabi creates some space inside the box before finding Buonanotte, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments. The more Bilbao push forward, the more space there will be for the home side to exploit.
Another half-chance for the home side as Buonanotte spots the run of El-Arabi, but Iraizoz just manages to clear at the vital moment. There is a fear that Bilbao could be on the end of a hiding in the second period if they continue to leave gaps in defence. The first period was fairly poor, the second period has been anything but.
El-Arabi has really come alive in the second period as the Granada striker finds some room on the edge of the box before finding Recio, but the Spaniard just runs into traffic at the vital moment. El-Arabi has an attempt of his own moments later, but Iraizoz just manages to keep his low effort out. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining.
Granada make their first change of the match as Foulquier, who is a new signing and indeed makes his debut this evening, replaces Pereira, who has had a big impact on the match. A sign that the home side are attempting to close this match out. One goal for the away side and it would be very much game on with little under 20 minutes of football remaining.
Foulquier announces himself in style as he picks up possession before showing San Jose a clean pair of heels, but he is eventually crowded out by two defenders. De Marcos threatens for Bilbao down the other end moments later, but Roberto is out to deny the Spaniard at the vital moment. Still 2-0 to the home side with 74 minutes on the clock.
Bilbao make their third change of the match as Toquero enters the field to replace Aduriz, who has struggled with the limited service that he has had this evening. Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last few moments with Granada comfortable in possession of the ball. They look a different side from the one that has struggled in the early part of the season.
Couple of decent moments for Bilbao in the last couple of moments with Toquero and Muniain both having efforts from outside the box, but neither comes close to opening their tally for the evening. Foulquier, meanwhile, continues to impress with his pace for Granada, but his latest cross is into the arms of the Bilbao stopper. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
CHANCE! As good a chance as Bilbao have created all evening as Susaeta drives down the right before finding De Marcos inside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That would certainly have made things interesting in the latter stages. Bilbao continue to force the issue, but time is running out.
Bilbao continue to force the issue with a series of deep balls into the home side's box, but Granada continue to repel the danger. Another shooting opportunity falls to De Marcos inside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Roberto. End-to-end football with little over five minutes remaining in this La Liga encounter.
Granada make their second change of the evening as Dani Benitez enters the field for Brahimi, who has been impressive for the home side. Slight handbags between Muniain and Recio moments later leads to both players picking up yellow cards. The stop-start tempo of the match will be welcomed by Granada there is no question about that.
The referee continues to become involved in the latter stages with the challenges arriving from both sides. Benitez is in the wars as he hits the deck holding his hamstring and indeed he is replaced as Fran Rico enters proceedings. The sub has been subbed for Granada. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining, with Granada's two-goal lead in tact.
Couple of shooting opportunities for the away side with Toquero and De Marcos both finding room inside the box, but neither comes close to opening Bilbao's tally for the evening. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the first of those.
One-way traffic at the moment with Bilbao pressing Granada to the edge of their own box. Herrera attempts to craft an opportunity with a through pass towards De Marcos, but the danger is cleared once more. Backs against the wall for Granada, but they are heading for their first home win of the season.
FULL TIME: Granada 2-0 Bilbao
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Granada picking up all three points courtesy of a double from El-Arabi. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow evening for Champions League football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
