Athletic Bilbao have moved into sixth spot in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over Racing de Santander on Sunday.

It was the away side who started the better and Oscar De Marcos so nearly found the opener after nine minutes, but his attempt was blocked.

Bilbao did take the lead moments later, however, when Gaizka Toquero found the bottom corner after good work from Ander Herrera.

Racing were not without their chances, however, and Julian Luque fired just wide from outside the box after 24 minutes before Pape Diop fired wide moments later.

Chances remained few and far between in the latter stages of the half with an Adrian strike for Racing five minutes before the interval their best chance of the opening period.

Toquero had a golden chance to grab Bilbao's second after 50 minutes, but he was denied, before Ander struck wide from close range moments later.

Bilbao again came close via Ibai Gomez just before the 60-minute mark, but his effort was blocked by the Racing defence.

Racing's best chance of the second period fell to Domingo Cisma after 66 minutes, but he just dragged wide when he might have done better.

Both teams had chances in the latter stages of the match, with Fernando Llorente coming close for Bilbao, while Jairo Samperio struck high for Racing late on.

Bilbao held on for the win, however, to aid their push for European football, while Racing remain in deep relegation trouble.