Athletic Bilbao moved within two points of La Liga’s top four after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Girona, boosting their ambitions of a first Champions League appearance in a decade. Álex Berenguer grabbed a brace and Iñaki Williams finally got his goal, but it was a dramatic encounter with Girona twice fighting back before Dani Vivian’s last-ditch block secured the win.
Bilbao wasted no time, scoring inside 90 seconds thanks to a horrendous pass from Girona’s Aleix García. Berenguer pounced, turned, and fired home a low shot, leaving the visitors reeling. Girona responded well, with Viktor Tsygankov forcing a good save, but Ernesto Valverde’s men remained a threat. Iñaki Williams hit the post and headed wide, while Herrera rattled the woodwork for Girona at the other end.
End-to-end encounter produces six goals
Girona drew level early in the second half when Tsygankov converted from close range. However, their joy was short-lived as Berenguer struck again after Miguel Gutiérrez gifted the ball away. Soon after, Williams capitalized on defensive confusion to make it 3-1 with a shot that deflected in off the post.
Paulo Gazzaniga denied Berenguer a hat-trick, and Girona pulled one back through Eric García’s header. A medical emergency in the crowd caused a lengthy stoppage, but Girona continued to push. Dovbyk hit the side netting, Unai Simon denied Sávio, and Dani Vivian produced a stunning goalline clearance from Jhon Solís’ effort in injury time to preserve the win.
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