Bilbao2Brooklyn
17 Mar 2003, 03:13 PM
from www.soccer-spain.com
Valencia lose ground on the leaders after a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao, and are now five points adrift of third placed Deportivo. Even though Rafa Benítez put out a weakened side, they had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot after Karanka fouled Baraja late in the first half, but Aranzubia dived to turn Fabio Aurelio's kick away for a corner. In the following play the Basques broke away, and Ezquerro passed the ball on for Etxeberría to shoot over Cañizares for the only goal of the match. The visitors were left with ten men after Mista picked up two yellow cards in quick succession after taking a free kick too quickly and then protesting, and they also lost substitute Kily González only two minutes after he came on after he injured his knee in a tackle with Karanka.
A great win for Athletic, giving Erreala (Real Sociedad) some breathing room as they still continue there quest for either top spot or a Champions league spot.
Valencia lose ground on the leaders after a 1-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao, and are now five points adrift of third placed Deportivo. Even though Rafa Benítez put out a weakened side, they had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot after Karanka fouled Baraja late in the first half, but Aranzubia dived to turn Fabio Aurelio's kick away for a corner. In the following play the Basques broke away, and Ezquerro passed the ball on for Etxeberría to shoot over Cañizares for the only goal of the match. The visitors were left with ten men after Mista picked up two yellow cards in quick succession after taking a free kick too quickly and then protesting, and they also lost substitute Kily González only two minutes after he came on after he injured his knee in a tackle with Karanka.
A great win for Athletic, giving Erreala (Real Sociedad) some breathing room as they still continue there quest for either top spot or a Champions league spot.