Martin Braithwaite Breaks Athletic Club Bilbao Hearts with Late Winning Goal on Debut for Espanyol

• Athletic Club Bilbao dominated the game but could not find that crucial goal to earn something against Espanyol
• Inaki Williams continued his impressive appearance record but could not do more for Athletic Club Bilbao
• Martin Braithwaite only attended two training sessions with his new teammates but scored his first goal for Espanyol

Athletic Club Bilbao have some of the best-attacking options in La Liga, but their finishing often lets them down,

This was evident when they dominated the first half of their clash against Espanyol.

Bilbao finished the first half with 11 attempts, with only two of those on target.

Alejandro Berenguer had Bilbao’s best chance as he rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from a freekick before the end of the half.

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Football

Berenguer also missed an earlier chance to put the home side level, as did Inaki Williams, who headed just wide of the post.

Espanyol never looked threatening in the first 45 minutes, despite starting with Danish striker Martin Braithwaite. The former Barcelona man signed for the club on the final day of the transfer window.

Espanyol’s first chance on target only came in the second half with the game reaching the 50-minute mark.

Bilbao continued to dominate the possession, but were often frustrated with their poor finishing.

Gorka Guruzeta almost grabbed a winner when his header just flew over the bar.

Bilbao’s hearts would then be broken in the 83rd minute when Braithwaite scored his first goal for Espanyol. The Danish striker only joined the club last week Thursday and only trained with his fellow teammates on two occasions.

Braithwaite capitalised on a counter-attack and fended off two defenders to fire home. Espanyol hung onto the win despite the intense pressure they came under from Bilbao.