Espanyol have climbed up to fifth in La Liga by earning their third win of the campaign with a 3-1 success over Athletic Bilbao.

Javier Aguirre's side went into the clash unbeaten and made a confident start to take the lead after 24 minutes, with Victor Sanchez smashing a venomous drive into the top corner.

Bilbao were quick to respond as Iker Muniain went within inches of meeting a cross at the far post, but he was denied by a last-ditch clearance from Hector Moreno.

The visitors kept up the pressure and equalised just before the break through Oscar de Marcos, who justified his return to the starting lineup by turning Mikel Rico's cross home.

Espanyol emerged from the break with renewed impetus and were back ahead within four minutes as Sanchez got his second, making the most of precise link-up play from Sergio Garcia.

The hosts controlled possession in the second period and added a third when Garcia etched his name on the scoresheet on 66 minutes, reacting quickest after Gorka Iraizoz spilled a routine save.

Bilbao managed to make it a grandstand finish as Ibai Gomez found the top corner with a free kick from 30 yards, but Espanyol hung on to claim all three points.