Williams Brothers Score to Keep Athletic Bilbao's European Dreams Alive With Win Over Espanyol

• Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams is back on the La Liga scoring sheet
• The Black Stars forward scored as Athletic Bilbao defeated Espanyol
• Athletic Bilbao have closed the gap on European places to five points

Inaki Williams and his brother, Nico Williams combined to inspire Athletic Bilbao to victory against Espanyol in La Liga.

The Ghanaian forward netted his first goal in La Liga since October 2022 to open the scoring at the Cornella El Prat Stadium, firing home in the 22nd minute after receiving a long pass from Dani Garcia.

His younger brother, who came on in the second half to replace Alejandro Remiro, sealed victory for the Rojiblacncos in the 75th minute.

Espanyol got a late consolation goal through Sergi Darder.

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The win sees Athletic Bilbao close in on Real Betis for a European place finish, with 10 games remaining until the season ends, according to an official statement.

Inaki had scored in the Copa Del Rey semi-final against Osasuna in the midweek before netting his sixth La Liga goal of the campaign.

The Spain-born Ghanaian switched nationality to represent the Black Stars at international level in June last year.

He has since made eight appearances for the west African nation but is yet to score a goal for the national team.

Ernesto Valverde praises team

Athletic Bilbao manager, Ernesto Valverde has lauded his players after the victory over Espanyol.

“It's a win worth more than three points," Valverde said in his post-match press conference.

"It's not just what it means in terms of the standings. It was a test for the team, and for the fans, so they could see we had a reaction in us. It was important for us. We're alive, we're there and we're still pursuing our objectives."

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Williams discusses his Ghana switch

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Inaki Williams explaining why he chose to play for Ghana at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar instead of Spain.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, joined his Black Stars teammates in a quest to make the continent proud at the tournament.

En route to the World Cup, Ghana dismissed the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the play-offs to earn a ticket for the first Mundial in the Middle East.