Inside Athletic

Recap

Athletic’s season was already over when the Lions arrived at Nuevo Los Cármenes for the final game of the campaign. A loss to Leganés just days earlier had eliminated Athletic from European contention, but Granada were still playing for a chance to finish in the top seven. With nothing on the line, Athletic sputtered to the finish line.

Gaizka Garitano made a number of changes to the starting lineup, including Asier Villalibre who nearly opened up the scoring just a few minutes in. The young striker was played through on goal but had his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Roberto Soldado would take his chance moments later when the Granada forward chipped Iago Herrerín to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Changes were made after the break with Iker Muniain, Yuri Berchiche, and Iñaki Williams all coming into the game. It made little difference as Granada managed to score three more goals against an unmotivated and disorganized Athletic defense. The game would finally end with Granada having won 4-0 to qualify for Europe, while Athletic will turn their attention to next season after a disappointing finish.