Goals from Apono and Helder Postiga saw Real Zaragoza defeat Athletic Bilbao to leapfrog the Basque club in La Liga.

In a relatively chanceless opening half hour it was Bilbao who dominated possession but they were behind after 32 minutes when Jon Aurtenetxe felled Victor Rodriguez in the area and Apono tucked home the spot kick.

Ten minutes later it was two when Postiga collected an Apono pass, then turned and poked home from close range.

Bilbao almost pulled one back instantly when Oscar de Marcos headed Iker Muniain's centre against the crossbar.

The second half was extremely bitty, with play constantly interrupted for free kicks. Bilbao did bring on wantaway frontman Fernando Llorente for perhaps his last appearance but the number 9 could do nothing to prevent defeat.

Three points for Zaragoza see them climb above Bilbao to 12th place.