### Athletic Bilbao Beat Las Palmas 1-0: A Set Piece Victory
In a thrilling match that showcased the strengths of both teams, Athletic Bilbao emerged victorious over Las Palmas with a convincing 1-0 scoreline in the La Liga fixture on Sunday. The victory was particularly notable for its set piece performance, which proved to be the key factor in securing the win.
#### Key Highlights of the Match:
1. **Set Piece Dominance**: Athletic Bilbao dominated the aerial phase of the game, capitalizing on their superior physical presence and technical skills. They executed several set pieces effectively, including corner kicks and free-kicks, which were converted into goals by their forwards.
2. **Goal from Set Piece**: The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Athletic Bilbao managed to capitalize on a corner kick. The ball was floated towards the far post, where striker Iñigo Martinez expertly headed it home. This goal gave Athletic Bilbao a significant lead and sealed the win for them.
3. **Las Palmas' Challenges**: Despite their strong defensive efforts, Las Palmas struggled to find a way through the Athletic Bilbao defense. Their midfield players struggled to create clear-cut chances and their attacking options were limited by the dominance of Athletic's defenders.
4. **Performance of Athletic Bilbao**: Throughout the match, Athletic Bilbao demonstrated exceptional teamwork and discipline. Their goalkeeper, Santiago Berlocq, made some crucial saves to keep the score level until the final whistle. Their forward line, featuring Martínez, Álvaro Morata, and Xabi Alonso, combined well together to create opportunities.
5. **Reactions from Both Teams**: After the match, both teams expressed satisfaction with their performances. Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Lillo praised his team's resilience and execution of set pieces. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining focus under pressure.
6. **Next Steps**: As Athletic Bilbao look to continue their impressive run in La Liga, this victory gives them momentum going into their next fixtures. The club will need to maintain their high standards while facing tougher opposition in the upcoming weeks.
This set piece victory not only secured a much-needed point but also demonstrated the depth and quality of Athletic Bilbao's squad. It is likely that they will be motivated to continue their aggressive play against their rivals in future matches.