Bilbao Athletic 2-2 Barça Atlètic: Scant reward
A point feels like a missed opportunity for Sergi Milà's team after playing against 10 men and coming from behind twice against Bilbao Atlétic. Nevertheless, despite chances to win the game, goals form Rubén López and Iván Cédric were only enough for a point in the 2-2 draw against the Basque side.
Poor start
Olabarrieta had already gone close for Bilbao Athletic when Ibai Sanz's header in the 17th minute gave the home side a deserved lead. However, the game turned on its head in the 24th minute when Bilbao's Duñabeitia was sent off for bringing down Iván Cédric as he bore down on goal.
Equaliser
Barça Atlètic were back on level terms before half time. On 34 minutes Rubén López finished off the inside of the post to bring the blaugranes back in the game. There were chances for Mbacke and Cédric before the break but the score remained 1-1 as the second half commenced.
The blaugranes suffered a blow on 52 minute when Canales restored Bilbao's lead after an offside in the build was not spotted by the officials. Nevertheless, Iván Cédric was rewarded for his persistence some 13 minutes later when he brought Barça back to 2-2 after stealing the ball in the Bilbao half and then finishing expertly.
The goal brought confidence to Sergi Milà's team who went all out for the victory. Guillermo had a great chance as did Cédric but it was not to be for the blauganes who took only a point from a game they will feel they should have won.
MATCH STATS
Bilbao Athletic: 2
Barça Atlètic: 2
Bilbao Athletic: Santos; Duñabeitia, Izagirre, De Luis, Eneko Aguilar; Gerenabarrena, Rego; Olabarrieta (Lete 46'), Canales (Beñat 88'), Varela (Hierro 69'); Sanz (Ibón 46').
Barça Atlètic: Astralaga; Sergi Domínguez (Olmedo 65'), Mbacke (Trilli 46'), Cortés, Oduro (Jofre Torrents 46'); Rubén López, Garrido; Virgili, Fariñas (Guillermo 65'), Dacosta; Iván Cédric (Piera 84').
Goals: 1-0, Ibai Sanz (min. 17); 1-1, Rubén López (min. 34); 2-1, Peio Canales (min. 52); 2-2, Iván Cédric (min. 65)