SEVILLE:
Athletic Bilbao won 2-1 at Real Betis on Sunday to pull level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Marc Bartra deflected a cross into his own net before Aitor Paredes pounced for Athletic’s second, as the Basque side won their third match in a row to maintain their perfect start.
Cedric Bakambu nodded home in stoppage time to give Betis brief hope at La Cartuja stadium in Seville, where they are playing while their Benito Villamarin home is redeveloped, but they could not find a late leveller.
“We go into the international break very happy, with nine points from nine available,” said Athletic defender Yuri Berchiche.
Earlier third-place Villarreal were held to a 1-1 draw by Celta Vigo as the Yellow Submarine dropped their first points of the campaign.
Champions Barcelona visit Rayo Vallecano later Sunday, also looking to preserve their 100 percent start to the season.
