Sancet Secures Hat-Trick as Bilbao Dominates Girona to Strengthen Top-Four Position in LaLiga

Oihan Sancet recorded a stunning hat-trick as Athletic Club maintained their impressive unbeaten streak in La Liga, now stretching to 14 matches, after defeating Girona 3-0 at San Mames. This result marked Girona’s sixth defeat in their last eight competitive away games.

Despite their exit from the UEFA Champions League group stage, Girona fans fondly remember the club’s inaugural European campaign. Now, the focus for Michel’s side shifts towards securing continental qualification for the second consecutive season.

Although Girona withstood the early onslaught from Athletic and restricted their chances, they struggled to capitalise on their own opportunities during a tense opening half-hour. Athletic had previously lost only once in their last 29 matches at San Mames and rallied to double their lead before the interval.

Goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga initially kept Girona level with a brilliant save from Inaki Williams’ diving header, but Athletic were awarded a penalty five minutes before half-time when VAR adjudged Miguel Gutierrez to have stepped on Mikel Jauregizar in the box.

In their earlier meeting this season, Gazzaniga saved three penalties, but this time, Sancet confidently slotted the ball into the top left corner – and it wouldn’t be the last time.

Moments later, Sancet was on the scoresheet again, meeting a chipped cross from Alex Berenguer in stoppage time of the first half, powering his header into the upper left corner for his 10th league goal of the season – his best tally to date.

While the explosive ending of the first half wasn’t matched at the beginning of the second, the hosts remained in control of the match.

Sancet missed a chance to secure his hat-trick earlier, misplacing a pass after taking it too far during a run, but he managed to complete the feat with 11 minutes left on the clock.

Williams won back possession and set Sancet free, who cleverly lifted the ball over Gazzaniga to confirm the victory.

As their competitors have yet to play in matchday 23, this win edges Athletic within five points of the summit and extends their lead over Villarreal in fifth to seven points as they pursue their first Champions League appearance since 2014/15.

Meanwhile, Girona faced a fifth loss in six games across all competitions, diminishing their European aspirations, with Rayo Vallecano now four points clear in sixth position following their win on Friday night.