Altitude sickness in the race for Europe

Alavés started like they were the home team, dominating the early exchanges by creating a couple of chances that, as was the case for much of the afternoon, didn't really end up threatening Iago Herrerín's goal.

Athletic gradually asserted themselves in the game as they started to dominate possession, but it was Alavés who had the clearest chances. Jony hit the woodwork in a one-on.one before Borja Bastón missed a good opportunity himself.

The deadlock was broken by midfielder Beñat, who has struggled to make an impact going forward this season. He had no such problem in this encounter, however, as he slammed a stunning long-range free kick into the top left corner when everyone in the stadium - including Pacheco in the Alavés goal . expected him to cross the ball in. 

Just as it seemed Athletic were about to take their slender lead into the break, Alavés managed to level proceedings. They did so through an error from keeper Herrerín, who failed to punch a cross clear and spilled the resulting shot, which Borja Bastón gladly pounced upon to ensure the sides headed into the break all square.

The second half passed largely without major incidents as end-of-season tiredness seemed to kick in and both sets of players looked leggy. 

This led to an open last few minutes, where Alavés could have walked away with the three points had it not been for Mikel San José. The Athletic midfielder cleared Wakaso's effort from outside the box off the line, and the game ended with the points shared in Bilbao.

Athletic move closer to seventh place as Alavés, now seven games without a win, seem to be running out of gas at just the wrong time.