Sports

Athletic Bilbao kept up its chase for a Champions League place next season with a 4-1 win over Almeria in the Spanish league on Sunday.

Javi Martinez scored either side of halftime, Fernando Llorente also netted and had a penalty saved and Igor Gabilondo was on target before Pablo Piatti grabbed a late consolation goal for visiting Almeria.

Bilbao are level on 48 with Real Mallorca, who are fifth due to their superior goal difference and host third-placed Valencia later on Sunday (1900 GMT).

4 - Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz; Iraola, San José, Amorebieta, Koikili; Susaeta, Gurpegui, Javi Martinez (Orbaiz, min.84), Gabilondo (Yeste, min.78); Toquero (De Marcos, min.68) and Llorente.

1 - UD Almeria: Diego Alves; Pellerano, Acasiete, Domingo Cisma; Michel, Bernardello, Guilherme (Piatti, min.58); Juanma Ortiz (Crusat, min.79), Vargas (Soriano, min.58), Corona; and Goitom.

Goals: 1-0, min.13: Javi Martinez. 2-0, min:32: Gabilondo. 3-0, min.49: Javi Martinez. 4-0, min.50: Llorente. 4-1, min.71: Piatti.