Espanyol travelled to face Athletic Bilbao at San Mames on Sunday looking for their fourth win in their last six league matches.
A fairly tight opening period brought just the single goal with Hector Moreno heading home from close range just before the 30-minute mark in the match.
Bilbao had chances of their own in the second period, but Espanyol made it two and then three in quick succession with goals from Victor Sanchez and Christian Stuani.
It got worse for the home side late in the match when Verdu tapped home from close range following a missed penalty from the midfielder.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live commentary of the weekend comes from San Mames as Athletic Bilbao welcome an improving Espanyol side. Bilbao have taken just five points from their last six matches, but will have been boosted by their last result at home, a 3-0 win over second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Espanyol, meanwhile, currently sit second in the form table in La Liga, ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid, having taken 13 points from their last six matches. When Javier Aguirre took charge of the club, they were in deep relegation trouble, but they have since moved into 15th position, five points from the relegation zone.
There is just one point separating the two sides this evening, with both keen for the victory to move closer to the top half of the table. The last two games have produced 12 goals, but Espanyol have just shaded the recent meetings, with two wins to Bilbao’s one. Despite Espanyol’s recent form, they have struggled on the road, winning just one of their 10 matches.
TEAMS:
BILBAO: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Aurtenetxe, Laporte; Susaeta, Iturraspe, Herrera; Aduriz, Muniain, De Marcos
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Colotto, Moreno, Capdevilla, Forlin; Simao, Verdu, Sanchez, Lopez; Garcia, Stuani
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. Just a quick word on the team news, Bilbao name arguably their strongest side with Iker Muniain and Ander Herrera both starting. Meanwhile, Espanyol recall Christian Stuani in place of Longo. Sergio Garcia also starts in attack. Right, the home side get the action underway.
Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a good crowd nonetheless. A reminder that Espanyol enter the match in the better form having lost just one of their last five in the league. Neither team has really settled in the early stages, however, with both sides exchanging spells of possession.
It's good work from the away side as Verdu collects possession outside the box before firing a low cross towards Garcia, but the striker just cannot collect under pressure from San Jose and the danger is cleared. Muniain attempts to combine down the other end with Aduriz, but the young striker picks up an injury in the process.
Muniain appears to be in real trouble here as he continues to hold his ankle. He has risen to his feet, but it does seem unlikely that he will be able to continue. Espanyol continue to attack as Sergio Garcia combines with Stuani before striking an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target.
Espanyol are just playing with such confidence at the moment. Is not hard to see why they have won three of their last five matches in the league. Bilbao have not really been able to gather possession at the moment, however, with the likes of Verdu and Victor Sanchez controlling the midfield. The former has an effort from outside the box, but it moves high of the target.
CHANCE! Bilbao's first real chance of the evening comes close to bringing the opening goal as Susaeta turns the full-back before striking a powerful effort towards the top corner, but Casilla is across to make a fine save. High-tempo opening 10 minutes to this match, but the score remains 0-0.
Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with a host of fouls and offside decisions slowing the tempo. You just get the feeling that the opening goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on the final result. Really is end-to-end football as both sides attack with pace and numbers.
Half-chance for the away side as Verdu drives into the penalty area before striking an effort on goal, but Iraizoz is equal to the danger. The resulting corner from the Spaniard also causes concern in the box, but the danger is cleared before Iraola strikes an effort over the crossbar down the other end. It really has been an enthralling start to this match.
Bilbao force a chance of their own as Muniain meets a cross from Susaeta, but Casilla is on hand to make a fine save. The pressure continues from the resulting corner, but once more Casilla is on hand to collect. How good has he been this season by the way?! He has been a key contributor in their recent run of form. Just a few signs that Bilbao are starting to take control of this match.
Both of these teams are not quite in relegation trouble, but a couple of defeats could see them sucked into the mix. A point would not be the worst result for either side, but Bilbao as the home side will search for the win. Another half-chance comes to De Marcos as he meets a cross from Susaeta, but he fires over from close range.
The first yellow card of the match is handed to Simao as the Espanyol winger dives into a challenge with De Marcos. Right, let's see if we can keep all 22 players on the pitch this evening. It does seem to be a rarity these days in La Liga. Another half-chance comes from a free kick, but San Jose can only head wide of the target.
Another half-chance comes to the away side as Verdu strikes an effort from outside the penalty area, but it was always moving wide of the goal. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Muniain meets a cross in the box, but he can only head wide. That proves to be his last contribution as he is replaced by Ibai Gomez.
The change does not come as much of a surprise with Muniain struggling with an injury in the early stages of the match. You just get the feeling that Espanyol can sense something here as they continue to play with confidence in the final third. However, we have not really had a clear chance for either side thus far.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of exchanging periods of possession. Another half-chance does arrive for the home side as Susaeta whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Casilla is on hand to turn over the crossbar. The resulting corner also causes problems, but the danger is cleared.
Still Bilbao keep the pressure on the away side with two corners in quick succession, but Espanyol continue to repel the danger. There is no question that their team has improved as a defensive unit in the last couple of months. They now look capable of going away from home and defending a lead.
Another half-chance comes to the away side this time as Verdu whips another free kick into the box from outside the area, but it is confident goalkeeping from Iraizoz as the Spaniard comes a long way to clear the danger. However, the pressure remains as another free kick arrives moments later.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Espanyol (Moreno)
Espanyol have taken the lead on the 30-minute mark as Moreno meets a cross from Verdu before bundling the ball into the back of the net. You cannot say that it hasn't been coming. However, Bilbao's defence must be placed under scrutiny for allowing Moreno to drift into the box.
Bilbao attempt to respond as Gomez combines with De Marcos before driving a low cross into the box, but once more Colotto is on hand to clear the danger. The resulting corner from Gomez causes problems in the box, but Espanyol defend the danger once more. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
First sign of handbags between the two sets of players as Stuani is given a yellow card for handballing outside the penalty area. De Marcos seemed to suggest that it was indeed inside the box, but replays have shown that the referee was correct. The resulting free kick is taken by Gomez, but it is played short and the attack fizzles out.
Slightly scrappy couple of minutes with both sides guilty of committing a number of fouls in the opposing half. In fairness to the home supporters, they are very much staying with their side as we approach the final stages of the first period. What a sensational result it would be if Espanyol could pick up another three points this evening.
The referee continues to dish out the cards as San Jose is the latest player to have his name taken for a late challenge on Garcia. It has not been that type of match, but there is a chance that it could boil over as the card count continues to rise. The resulting free kick is taken by Moreno, but Stuani cannot make proper contact and the ball is cleared.
Another couple of minutes, another yellow card. This time Garcia is handed the booking as he fells Aurtenetxe in the Bilbao half. He pleads his innocence, but the smile on his own face tells a different story. Garcia comes close with a mazy run moments later, but the danger is cleared at the vital moment.
It really is a scrappy affair at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in from both sides. The latest allows Bilbao the chance to strike a free kick some 35 yards from goal, but Gomez instead decides to chip an effort into the area, with Casilla comfortable in claiming the danger. That is really poor from the Spaniard.
The home supporters are certainly not happy as this first period draws to an end. Their side has had a couple of opportunities, but they have not really done enough to warrant a goal thus far. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes at the end of the half.
Not too much to report in the final stages of the half, with Espanyol comfortable in dealing with the threat from the home side. It would not be a surprise to see a change at the interval. Oh how they would have liked Fernando Llorente in a match such as this. His physical presence in attack would have been ideal.
HALF-TIME: Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Espanyol
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Espanyol leading 1-0 courtesy of a header from Moreno after 29 minutes. In truth, it has not been the most enthralling 45 minutes of football, but there has been a nice tempo to the match.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening period. The home side have dominated the possession with 70%, while they have had six attempts to Espanyol's two. But what is that old cliché? You have to take your chances? The away side have certainly done that and they lead at the interval.
What about the benches for this evening? Bilbao do have options in their squad with Toquero and Isma Gomez both capable of influencing proceedings from the bench. Meanwhile, Espanyol also have the likes of Raul Rodriguez and Longo in reserve. Each bench could play a key role in the outcome of this match.
As it stands, Espanyol would move into 13th position in the table on 28 points. A quite spectacular achievement following their vast struggles in the early stages of the season. Meanwhile, Bilbao would remain in 15th, six points ahead of the bottom three. However, you sense that there are more goals in this match.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not all that surprising at this stage of proceedings. A reminder that following the completion of this match we have a real cracker from Madrid as Rayo Vallecano welcome Atletico Madrid. Espanyol get the half underway.
Bilbao have been beaten more times this season than they were in the entirety of last season. They must take heart from their last match at home, however, when they overcame Atletico Madrid 3-0. There has been no sign of that performance in this match thus far with Espanyol dictating the tempo.
Early half-chance for the home side as Iraola strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the target. The referee awards a corner, with the resulting set piece whipped into the area by Herrera, but De Marcos can only head over the crossbar. Lively opening to this second period.
Bilbao continue to attack in the second period as Susaeta fires a dangerous cross into the box, but once more Casilla is out to gather the danger at the vital moment. I should imagine that Marco Bielsa fired up his team at the interval by the way that they have started this half. The next goal is all-important in this tie.
Espanyol just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to pass and probe outside their penalty area. Another dangerous cross is fired into the box by Aduriz, but Casilla is once more out to collect with De Marcos ready to pounce. Just about nine minutes of the second period played.
The away side make their first change of the match as Victor Alvarez replaces Simao. It does not appear that the Portuguese midfielder is injured, more of a tactical change with the left-back entering the field. Meanwhile, it appears that Gomez could have a problem for the home side. I shall keep on eye on that one as Aduriz tests Casilla with a powerful header.
The change is indeed made as Igor Martinez replaces Gomez. Hardly the best of days for Bilbao thus far as they have lost two players to injury and currently trial 1-0. Right, just over 30 minutes of football remaining in this match and as it stands Bilbao are heading for another home defeat. What an incredible result it would be for Espanyol.
Half-chance for the away side to add their second as Stuani rises in the penalty area, but he can only head wide of the target when he should perhaps have done better. Another goal for Espanyol at this stage and Bilbao have a mountain to climb.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Espanyol (Sanchez)
Oh my word. Espanyol do indeed have their second of the match as Victor Sanchez evades the challenge of the goalkeeper before poking the ball home from close range. What an incredible blow to the home side as boos ring out around the stadium. Little over 30 minutes remaining.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-3 Espanyol (Stuani)
Terrible, just terrible defending from Bilbao as Stuani is allowed to ghost into the penalty area before smashing his effort into the bottom corner. Two goals in less than a minute. Meanwhile, the home side make a change as Aurtenetxe is replaced by Toquero.
The home side attempt to respond as Aduriz drives into the penalty area, but the referee stops play for handball, much to the frustration of the home supporters. They have just collapsed in this second period. What on earth will Bielsa have to say at the end of the match?
It would not be a surprise to see Bilbao reduced to 10 men in the final stages of this match as their frustration continues to grow. If Espanyol hang onto the three points, then it will be just their second away win of the season. It would take some turnaround to deny them the victory.
The away side call for a penalty as Verdu is felled in the penalty area by San Jose, but the referee, for some reason, decides to play on. Replays have shown that it was indeed a clear penalty for Espanyol. This could get nasty for Bilbao in the remaining 25 minutes or so.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with the way side just about as comfortable as they could ever imagine to be at this stage of an away match. Bilbao have a half-chance on the counter as De Marcos fires a low cross into the box, but Moreno is on hand to clear for a corner.
Another change for the away side as Javi Lopez is replaced by Felipe Mattioni. It appears that the former picked up a slight injury in a clash with Susaeta and has therefore been unable to continue. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Espanyol are heading for the shock result of the weekend.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side to add their first goal of the match as Susaeta meets a cross from Toquero, but he can only head wide of the target. The disappointing aspect for the home side was that the winger was the only Bilbao player in the penalty area.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes with Espanyol comfortable in possession of the ball. Bilbao have threatened with a couple of crosses into the penalty area, but the away side's defence has been well marshalled this evening. This one as a contest has been over for some time now.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and this stadium is just silent. It is a wonderful place to play when you are winning, but that is not the case when Bilbao struggle on the pitch. Another half-chance comes as Martinez strikes a powerful effort towards goal, but Casilla is on hand to make the save.
PENALTY: The away side are awarded a penalty as Victor Alvarez is brought down by Iraola in the penalty area. What on earth is he doing making that challenge?! Verdu will take the penalty.
GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-4 Espanyol (Verdu)
The away side do indeed have their fourth. Verdu misses his initial effort, but it rebounds straight back to the midfielder, who is able to tap home from close range. What an awful evening for Bilbao.
Hands up for anyone that saw this result coming. It is almost five as Stuani collects possession in the box before striking an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high of the post. Prior to this match, Espanyol had only scored eight goals away from home all season.
Bilbao are by no means out of trouble in terms of relegation this season. A couple of bad results and they could be pulled into the bottom three. They have got some really tough games coming up, starting with Malaga next week. They simply have to start picking up some wins.
Bilbao attempt to gain some sort of consolation in this match as De Marcos drives into the penalty area, but he just cannot sort out his feet in time and his effort is sliced horribly wide of the post. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining and Espanyol make another change as Verdu is replaced by Christian Alfonso.
Decent pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as they force a couple of corners in quick succession. The latter is met by the head of Toquero, but he can only fire wide of the post from close range. Quite incredibly, Bilbao have had just about 70% of the ball in this match.
Not too much to report in the last couple of minutes with Espanyol just about as comfortable as they could ever imagine to be at this stage of the match. They will move into 13th position in the table, but Bilbao will remain in 15th.
The rain continues to fall in Bilbao, with the stadium half empty as the supporters go home to enjoy their Sunday tea. Well, enjoy is not quite the right phrase having watched their side lose 4-0 at home. Not many Espanyol supporters made the trip, but those that did have had some day out.
The home side have the ball in the back of the net as Susaeta taps home from close range, but it will not count with the linesman raising his flag. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes of added time and we are into the first of those.
FULL-TIME: Athletic Bilbao 0-4 Espanyol
So there we have it. Espanyol record a 4-0 win over Bilbao to move into 13th in the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Rayo Vallecano against Atletico Madrid. Until then!
