Nine-man Athletic overcome woeful Almeria

An early Fernando Llorente strike gave Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 victory in a battling performance against Almeria with the team holding on after being reduced to nine men.

Almeria are yet to win a game this season and they won’t have an easier chance but even with two men extra they still found it difficult to create opportunities.

Athletic controlled the opening spell and should have gone ahead from the penalty spot but Mikel San Jose saw his spot-kick blocked by Diego Alves after Juan Ortiz fouled Carlos Gurpegi.

Minutes later, though, Athletic did take the lead when Llorente knocked home a Javi Martinez cross.

Koikili Lertxundi was dismissed at the end of the first half for a second yellow card and then substitute Xavier Castillo was given a straight red for a professional foul on Henok Goitom but still Almeria couldn’t find a way through.

Later Argentine Leo Messi goes looking to score in his seventh consecutive game for the first time in his career as Barcelona try to keep the pressure on leaders Real Madrid against visiting Villarreal.

Villarreal were the only side in the league to pick up points at the Nou Camp last season and they have started well in this campaign, just two points behind Barca and three off leaders Real.

But they will face a Barca forward line brimming with confidence after scoring eight goals from the last two games with Messi having already scored 17 goals this season.