Aritz Aduriz continued his superb start to the season by scoring two goals in his 400th top-flight appearance to lead Athletic Bilbao to a 3-0 win over Real Sporting de Gijon on Monday.
The 34-year-old striker, who recently signed a contract extension through 2017, is enjoying a fruitful spell in front of goal.
His tally of 14 goals in all competitions this season sees him top the overall scoring charts in Spain and his brace moved him to within one of La Liga top scorer Neymar’s eight goals.
Photo: EPA
“We played a serious match and had our scoring touch at the right moments,” Aduriz said. “We knew how important it was to get the three points playing at home.”
The win moved the Basque club into 12th place in the league, further clear of the relegation zone, while Sporting fell to 17th.
Speedy forward Inaki Williams crossed for Markel Susaeta to finish off a great buildup instigated by Raul Garcia’s key pass that sent Williams clear in the 29th minute.
Williams was involved in the second, earning his side a penalty after he was tripped by Omar Mascarell. Aduriz scored at the second attempt after goalkeeper Alberto Garcia’s parried his spot-kick three minutes before halftime.
Williams then played Aduriz through only for him to fire off the woodwork, but Aduriz did not miss on the break in the 67th minute when he drilled in a deflected shot.
Real Madrid lead La Liga on goal-difference, ahead of second-placed Barcelona, also on 21 points. Atletico Madrid in third place trail the pair by two points.
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