Bilbao defeats Almería with a set piece victory.

### Bilbao Beats Almería: A Set Piece Victory

In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, Real Madrid's Bilbao defeated Almería in a dramatic set piece contest that left fans breathless and analysts buzzing.

The match was marked by intense physicality and high-intensity play, but it was the late goal from the penalty box that sealed Bilbao's victory. The score stood 2-1 in favor of Bilbao until the final whistle.

**Key Moments:**

1. **Set Piece Magic**: The match began with a corner kick from Almería, which was headed back into the area. The ball landed near the halfway line, where it was picked up by midfielder Xabi Alonso. After a few passes, he found another player who delivered a pinpoint cross to striker Iñigo Martinez. Martinez, known for his aerial prowess, volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Diego Forlan to give Bilbao the lead.

2. **Almería's Fightback**: Despite being down one goal, Almería refused to go down without a fight. They pressed aggressively, and their defense showed resilience. In the 65th minute, Almería managed to create a counterattack, but their attempt was blocked by Bilbao's defensive wall.

3. **The Turning Point**: As the game entered its final minutes, Almería started to pressure Bilbao even more. They were closing the gap on the scoreboard. In the 89th minute, Almería had a golden chance to equalize. However, their forward played a poor through ball, allowing Bilbao goalkeeper David de Gea to save the day.

4. **Penalty Shootout**: With the game tied at 2-2, Bilbao faced a penalty shootout. Both teams went into the shootout with equal confidence, and each side scored two goals before the shootout ended in a 3-3 draw. The shootout itself was tightly contested, with both sides showing skill and determination.

5. **Extra Time and Set Piece**: The match was extended to extra time, and both teams continued to press hard. In the extra time, there was a series of set pieces, including corners and free kicks. Bilbao capitalized on these opportunities, scoring twice to secure the win.

**Post-Match Analysis:**

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane praised his team's resilience and ability to adapt to different situations. "We had some moments when we didn't perform as well as we could have, but we overcame those challenges," he said. "The set piece goal was crucial, and our defense held firm throughout."

Almería manager Juan Carlos Pinto acknowledged their close call. "It was a tough loss, but we showed great spirit and effort. We will learn from this experience and move forward," he added.

**Conclusion:**

Bilbao's set piece victory against Almería is a testament to their tactical acumen and physical strength. While they did not win outright, they demonstrated the importance of set pieces in football and showed that they can compete with the best teams in Europe. This result leaves fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the rivalry between the two clubs.