Alaves hamper Athletic Euro hopes

Athletic Club Bilbao’s hopes of a European qualification spot were damaged as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Alaves.

Theo Hernandez’s second half strike means Ernesto Valverde’s side are now clinging onto sixth place on goal difference over rivals Real Sociedad, who earned a draw at Sevilla on Friday night.

The highly-rated Hernandez grabbed his first La Liga goal in style when he lashed home a left-foot shot from the edge of the box following a corner.

Bilbao's defeat ended a run of four-consecutive wins and also extinguished their slim hopes of reaching the top four.

Alaves are now assured of a top half finish, as they are six points clear of 11th-placed Alaves with two games remaining and a superior head-to-head record.

La Liga - Club News