Aritz Aduriz's strike gives Athletic Bilbao first La Liga win since August

Image Credits: Twitter/@AthleticClub

Athletic Bilbao won their first La Liga match since their opener in August when an added-time penalty from veteran striker Aritz Aduriz secured a 1-0 win over Girona for newly-installed manager Gaizka Garitano on Tuesday.

Bilbao`s former goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz had an inspired night for the visitors and it looked like the struggling Basque outfit, who parted company with coach Eduardo Berrizo last week, would go a 14th league game without a victory.

However, there was late drama when Bilbao substitute Iker Muniain was felled in the box and VAR confirmed it was a penalty. Aduriz, 37, kept his cool to score with a Panenka-style chip down the middle to send San Mames Stadium into raptures.

It was the perfect start for Garitano, who has been promoted from managing the club`s `B` team, with Bilbao still in the final relegation place but now on 14 points from 15 games and only below Villarreal on their head-to-head record.

They are the only team besides Real Madrid and Barcelona to never never relegate from Spain`s top flight.

Athletic Bilbao will now lock horns with Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium on December 18, while Girona will face Sevilla in their next La Liga clash on Decemer 16.