The first half was marked by mistakes and poor play from Athletic Club, with Rayo Vallecano's Jorge De Frutos causing problems for the home side's defence. De Frutos had a few chances, but couldn't convert them into goals. The match remained goalless at halftime.

Athletic Club woke up from their slumber after the break, with Nico Williams creating the first real chance of the game. His low cross to Iñaki Williams was wasted, but it marked the start of a period of intense pressure from the home side.

On the 65th minute, Athletic Club took the lead from the penalty spot. A foul by Florian Lejeune on Oihan Sancet was spotted by the video assistant referee, and Sancet scored the penalty to release the pressure on the San Mames.

The penalty proved to be the decisive moment in the match, as Rayo Vallecano struggled to recover from the setback. With a second leg against Neman ahead of them, the visitors faltered in the closing stages, allowing Athletic Club to join Villarreal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Flashscore's Man of the Match was Nico Williams, who was instrumental in creating the first real chance of the game.

Go deeper with Flashscore's match centre.