Sports

In a tightly contested game at Gijon''s El Molinon Stadium, David Barral nearly put the hosts ahead in the second minute when his shot was intercepted by Fernando Amorebieta.

Gijon had several more chances, with Jose Angel Valdes drawing a fine save from Gorka Iraizoz early in the second half.

For Bilbao, Gaizka Toquero was a constant threat, setting up a Markel Susaeta strike that went just wide before heading a cross wide himself in the 55th.

Five minutes later, Gijon''s Juan Pablo Colinas saved a penalty taken by Igor Gabilondo after Valdes was ruled to have brought Toquero down in the area.

Bilbao is seventh on 41 points and Gijon is 10th on 32 points.

Sporting Gijon: Juan Pablo, Sastre (Jose Angel m 29), Botia, Ivan Hernandez, Canella, Diego Camacho, Rivera, Luis Moran (Kike Mateo m 72), De las Cuevas (Carmelo m 83), Diego Castro and Barral.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz, Iraola (Susaeta m 23), San Jose, Amorebieta, Castillo, Gurpegi, Orbaiz, Javi Martinez,Gabilondo (David Lopez m 68), Toquero (Muniain m 90) and Llorente.