Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Espanyol: Superb Inaki Williams goal helps Athletic Bilbao continue winning run

An Inaki Williams-inspired Athletic Bilbao continued their upturn in form after beating Espanyol 2-1 to record a fifth consecutive win in all competitions.

Williams netted his fifth goal in a week in spectacular fashion by flicking the ball over Enzo Roco and firing a volley into the top corner after just eight minutes.

Hernan Perez levelled for Espanyol early in the second period, but Raul Garcia's header 26 minutes from time handed the Basques a deserved three points.

Victory lifts Ernesto Valverde's men up to 10th, whilst Espanyol remain in 12th.

The pre-match talk had surrounded Spain coach Vicente del Bosque's decision to once again not call upon veteran Athletic striker Aritz Aduriz for next week's friendly against England despite scoring 15 competitive goals this season.

Del Bosque claimed his decision was based on a generational development in the Spanish team which the 34-year-old did not fit. However, rather than the former Valencia forward pushing for an international call-up, on this evidence it is 21-year-old Williams who could have the better case to be included for Euro 2016.

After scoring twice against Real Betis and Partizan Belgrade in the past week, his confidence was clear to see with a spectacular opener to get Athletic off to a flying start.

They were pegged back just six minutes after the break, though, when Perez connected perfectly with Victor Sanchez's fine cross for the equaliser.

Athletic responded well to that blow and secured the points when Garcia timed his run in behind the defence to nod home Markel Susaeta's cross.