Racing Santander 1-2 Athletic Bilbao - Bilbao end on a high

Posted Saturday, May 21, 2011 by PA

Athletic Bilbao capped a season that has earned them European football next term with a 2-1 victory away to 10-man Racing Santander.

David Lopez and Fernando Llorente struck within three first-half minutes to set up victory over a Racing side who had already confirmed their safety.

Racing had defender Francis sent off for a second booking on 72 minutes although they gave their home fans some reason for cheer when Kennedy Bakircioglu scored two minutes from the end.

Bilbao's success ensured they finished the season in sixth, their highest final placing since coming fifth in 2003-04, earning a return to the Europa League.

The visitors had to ride their luck before going ahead though, with former Barcelona midfielder Giovanni Dos Santos twice going close in the opening five minutes.

Buss Henrique then almost caught out Gorka Iraizoz with a clever long-range lob the goalkeeper just kept out with his fingertips.

Athletic were ahead though on 20 minutes after a stunning Lopez free-kick.

Llorente drew a foul from Henrique just outside the area and Lopez converted with a rasping drive into the top-left corner.

The visitors then went two up three minutes later when Spain striker Llorente fired into the bottom left from 12 yards.

It was tough on Racing who were cursing their luck further when Markus Rosenberg was denied by a pair of superb Iraizoz saves.

After half-time Racing kept pressing for the goal they increasingly deserved with Dos Santos firing wide from 20 yards while Fernandez Christian was off target from the same distance.

Athletic were rarely threatening but almost had a third when goalkeeper Antonio Tono needed to be at his best to keep out a close-range Llorente header.

Racing's frustrations grew when Francis was dismissed after a foul on Iker Muniain earned him a second caution, but Sweden forward Bakircioglu raised cheers when he finally found the net with an 18-yard strike two minutes from the end.