Athletic Bilbao delivered a dominant performance on Sunday, thrashing last-placed Real Valladolid 7-1 at San Mames to strengthen their grip on a Champions League spot.
Ernesto Valverde’s men, sitting fourth in La Liga, produced a relentless attacking display, moving four points ahead of Villarreal in fifth.
Spain international Nico Williams stole the show with a brace, while his brother Inaki Williams also found the net in a commanding victory.
Mikel Jauregizar set the tone early, firing Bilbao ahead in the 10th minute. Nico Williams soon doubled the advantage with a superb solo effort, before Maroan Sannadi and Oihan Sancet added their names to the scoresheet just before halftime.
Valladolid briefly showed signs of life when Mamadou Sylla pulled one back early in the second half.
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Stank Juric saw red, leaving the visitors with an impossible task.
Nico Williams struck again to extend the lead before Inaki Williams turned provider, assisting Gorka Guruzeta for Bilbao’s sixth.
The elder Williams then capped off a ruthless attacking display by adding the final goal himself.
Elsewhere in La Liga, champions Real Madrid, currently third, take on Girona in a crucial clash as they seek to draw level with leaders Barcelona. Getafe face off against Betis, while Real Sociedad play host to Leganes in the day’s other fixtures.
