Atletico Madrid held by Athletic Bilbao in blow to top-four hopes

The opening goal was scored by Iker Muniain in the 37th minutes and Diego Costa scored the equaliser soon after as Bilbao and Atletico played out a 1-1 draw.

Iker Muniain gave Athletic the lead in an empty San Mames stadium by prodding home in the 37th minute to complete a clever move

Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday on its return to action after La Liga's three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, missing out on the chance to capitalise on slip-ups by its rival for Champions League places.

Iker Muniain gave Athletic the lead in an empty San Mames stadium by prodding home in the 37th minute to complete a clever move but Atletico responded two minutes later when Diego Costa slotted in following a through ball from Koke.

Diego Simeone's Atletico side had the best chance to win the game after the interval when Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon parried a cross from Renan Lodi into the path of Santiago Arias but the keeper recovered to block the rebound with his leg.

Atletico is sixth on 46 points, level with fifth-placed Getafe, which lost at Granada on Friday, and fourth-placed Real Sociedad, which hosts Osasuna later on Sunday. Athletic is 10th on 38.