Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz says the referee was 'brave' to award him a penalty in last night's 2-1 win over Granada.
The on form forward gave his side the lead at Los Carmenes from the spot after Granada defender Pape Diakhate was sanctioned for a slight tug on his jersey.
“Normally those kind of penalties aren't given, but the referee was brave,” the former Valencia hitman told AS after training this morning.
“Diakhate knew I was behind him and extended his arm to stop me. It's very clear, although these actions are not always met with a whistle.”
The win stopped Athletic slipping into the relegation zone but Aduriz is refusing to accept that their problems are behind them, staying firmly focused on Thursday's crunch Europa League game against Lyon.
“We have done nothing, we have won only one game and the situation is not comfortable. We continue to be in a very delicate position and we need to keep getting points to get to where we want to be.
“We have no choice but to get three points against Lyon, but I think we did enough to win in France and can also make chances at San Mames.”
On his own form, Aduriz preferred not to get carried away, or discuss a potential Spain call-up.
“It is nice but it's anecdotal. The credit goes to the team. I have the luck to be in the attacking area of the field.”
