Real Zaragoza secured what could be a vital win in their battle against the La Liga drop as they beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 this afternoon.

It was the Europa League finalists who had the game's first real opening as Mikel San José headed over from Ibai Gómez's cross.

At the other end, Zaragoza game even closer as Helder Postiga rattled the post with a powerful right footed shot from outside the box.

The hosts weren't to be denied though as just a minute later, Edu Oriol opened the scoring when he converted from Franco Zuculini's pass.

Malaga loanee Apoño gave the relegation threatened side a two-goal winning margin shortly after the break by striking a low free kick past Gorka Iraizoz.

Zaragoza are now four points from safety while Bilbao remain in 7th position.