With only eight LaLiga fixtures left, Athletic Club have solidified their claims for a grasp on a Europa League spot climbing temporarily into fifth place, halting Espanyol's assault and own dreams.
Villarreal and Real Sociedad looked like they had the fifth and sixth league spots locked down, but recent stumbles on the weekend have opened the race, setting up a showdown between Athletic and Espanyol who both look to profit.
Immediately however, Los Leones took control at the new Estadio San Mames with Aritz Aduriz cooly converting a clear penalty in the 16th minute with a confident Panenka.
He doubled his tally in the first half connecting off a set-piece to slide in another and ultimately put the match out of reach for Los Pericos.
Despite winning match after match at home to climb up in the league standings, Espanyol haven't replicated that form away from home and will be disappointed in how little they troubled Athletic, a direct rival.
It was a mostly quiet second half, as few chances meant Ernesto Valverde's men saw out the match without too much trouble.
Villarreal and Real Sociedad are still to play this midweek, as Athletic Club did their homework and increase the pressure on their closest rivals.
