Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams on Sunday struck twice, including a deft backheel, to propel the improving side to a 3-1 win at Real Betis Balompie that lifted the Basque club to eighth in La Liga.
Williams is considered one of the most exciting young talents at Bilbao and the 21-year-old showed what he is capable of with two superb goals at a rain-lashed Estadio Benito Villamarin.
He opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area before flicking a Raul Garcia center past Antonio Adan from close range to make it 2-0 moments before halftime.
Williams had a busy night and conceded a penalty for handball that allowed Ruben Castro to pull a goal back in the 67th minute.
Betis were unable to equalize, despite sustained pressure late in the match, and Garcia struck a sweet shot low into the corner three minutes from time to make the game safe and secure a first away win of the season.
Bilbao, who are to host Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League on Thursday, lost four of their first five games of the La Liga campaign, but have won three of their last four and have 14 points from 10 matches.
They are a point behind seventh-placed Valencia and two ahead of 13th-placed Betis, last season’s second-division champions.
Sociedad Deportiva Eibar climbed to sixth when the modest Basque club edged visiting Rayo Vallecano de Madrid 1-0, while RCD Espanyol managed to conjure a last-gasp equalizer at home to Granada, despite having to play the last 20 minutes with 10 men.
Real Sporting de Gijon won 1-0 at home to struggling Malaga thanks to a first-half effort from Croatia teenager Alen Halilovic, who is on loan from champions Barcelona.
Real Madrid and Barca on Saturday took advantage of Friday’s stumble by Atletico Madrid to surge three points clear at the top as they beat UD Las Palmas 3-1 at home and won 2-0 at Getafe respectively.
The Spanish heavyweights each have 24 points from 10 matches, with Real ahead on goal difference.
RC Celta de Vigo climbed above Atletico, who conceded a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at RC Deportivo de La Coruna, into third on 21 points with a 3-2 comeback win at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely