[monks data]

La Liga

Feb 23, 2014 at 4pm UK

Betis Real Betis
0-2
Athletic Bilbao

Perquis (41'), Reyes (58')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Muniain (34' pen.), Guillermo (81')

Athletic Bilbao too good for nine-man Real Betis

By Gary Peters, Reporter | 23 February 2014

Goals from Iker Muniain and Guillermo are enough for Athletic Bilbao to beat Real Betis, who finish the La Liga match with nine men.

Athletic Bilbao have come out on top in their La Liga clash with Real Betis.

Bilbao started strongly, showing their attacking intent with efforts from Kike Sola and Carlos Gurpegi, both of which went wide.

Athletic Bilbao's forward Iker Muniain celebrates with midfielder Benat Etxebarria Urkiaga after scoring during the Spanish league football match Real Betis Balompie vs Athletic Club Bilbao at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Sevilla on February 23, 2014 © Getty Images

Betis went close to the opening goal when Alfred N'Diaye's header from the centre of the box flashed past the post.

However, Lorenzo Reyes's foul on the half-hour mark played resulted in a penalty for the visitors. Iker Muniain stepped up to convert the spot kick.

Leo Baptistao headed wide near the end of the first half, but Betis went into the break with 10 men when Damien Perquis picked up a second yellow card.

Ruben Castro and Cedrick missed decent opportunities for the hosts, who struggled to find their shooting boots. Ander Iturraspe almost made them pay, but Antonio Adan made a good stop.

Reyes was then sent for an early bath following a handball offence, and with only nine men, Betis struggled to harm their opponents. Guillermo then wrapped up the win with a goal in the 81st minute.