Athletic Bilbao drew with Granada 1-1

For many reasons, Athletic Bilbao and Granada drew 1-1 in a Spanish league encounter on Friday that will not satisfy either team. Bilbao is now three points behind Atletico Madrid, which still has a game in hand, despite needing points to guarantee a spot in the Champions League.

With a spot in the top four confirmed for the Champions League the following year, Atletico is in fourth position. "The Champions League spot is the dream," Nico Williams of Bilbao remarked. "When the ball won't go in, it's frustrating, but we have to keep trying." Conversely, Granada faces a real risk of being relegated. It is seven points behind third-place Cadiz with six games left. Almeria comes in last. Early in the first half, a Gerard Gumbau corner kick gave Granada optimism for their fourth win of the season as it barely touched Bilbao's Iñaki Williams before flying in.