Athletic tighten grip on fourth spot

Athletic Club edged nine points clear of their nearest rivals for fourth place in the Liga as they were held to a goalless draw by Elche FC.

Ernesto Valverde's extended their unbeaten run to six games, but it was the home side who enjoyed the better chances but ultimately lacked a killer instinct to break down Athletic's resolute defence. Elche remain 14th, a precious point further away from the relegation zone, while Athletic are now nine points ahead of fifth-placed Sevilla FC.

In the night's other match, RCD Espanyol beat Málaga CF 2-1 at La Rosaleda thanks to Pizzi's second-half strike. Sergio García had put the visitors ahead on 33 minutes only for Pablo Pérez to level immediately for the hosts. Pizzi, though, swooped with 14 minutes remaining to earn a win that moves them up to eighth. Málaga, who had Pablo Pérez sent off in the closing stages, are a place and a point ahead of Elche in 13th.