Espanyol Wins 2-1 at Athletic Bilbao for Fifth Straight Victory

Espanyol secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on Monday, extending their winning streak to five consecutive La Liga matches and moving within two points of the top four.

The match, the final fixture of La Liga's 17th round, saw Athletic Bilbao take an early lead in the 38th minute. Iñaki Williams struck toward goal after a prolonged battle on the edge of the penalty area, and Alex Berenguer reacted first to the rebound, poking the ball past Espanyol goalkeeper Fernando Martinez.

Espanyol responded swiftly, equalizing just six minutes later. From a free kick taken by Edu Expósito on the left, the ball was headed clear by Athletic's Oihan Sancet, only for Carlos Romero to meet it with a precise volley from outside the box, leveling the score at 1-1 right before halftime.

The visitors completed their comeback early in the second half. In the 53rd minute, Tyrhys Dolan intercepted possession from Adama Boiró on the right wing and delivered a low cross into the area, where Pere Milla steered it home at the back post to give Espanyol the lead. Despite Athletic's persistent pressure, including nearly two-thirds possession and...