An absolutely sensational atmosphere at San Mames greeted both teams on Sunday night.
The game of the weekend, known in Spain as a ‘Partidazo,’ certainly lived up to its top billing from the very first moment until the very last.
Both sides played the fullest part in a game that was a most worthy advert for La Liga.
From Xavi’s point of view there was a lot that needed improving, both defensively and attacking wise, but not many teams get a positive result from an away fixture at Athletic Club.
Much of that is down to the way in which the visitors approached a fixture which, if won, would put them in the healthiest of positions going into next weekend’s El Clasico.