Spanish Primera Division: Bilbao end unwanted run

Athletic Bilbao won for the first time in La Liga since August as Xabier Etxeita's goal ensured a 1-0 win in a low-quality clash at Almeria.

Etxeita drove home low 12 minutes into the second half to give the visitors some reason for cheer in a campaign which has so far brought precious little cause for optimism.

The win was only Athletic's second in the league this season and ended a nine-match winless run in all competitions. It moved them a point behind their opponents, who themselves have only two league wins to their name this term.

With both sides averaging less than a goal a game, it was no surprise the match was desperately short on chances. On top of that Athletic were back in action four days after their Champions League defeat in Porto.

Iker Muniain threatened early on for the visitors, firing wide of the left post from inside the area, while at the other end Tomer Hemed also shot off target.

There was nothing to concern either goalkeeper in a first half devoid of incident, though.

Athletic finally made a breakthrough in the 57th minute when Aritz Aduriz's pass from the left found Etxeita, who unleashed a right-footed shot low into the left corner from the centre of the area.

The lacklustre hosts did not look capable of mustering a response, although they did almost snatch an equaliser in the 79th minute, only for Thievy to see his long-range effort thump against the bar.

They could not carve out another chance, though, as Athletic claimed a welcome three points.