Sevilla maintains title chase in narrow win over Athletic Bilbao

Madrid - Sevilla moved to within two points of La Liga leader Barcelona as Vicente Iborra's first-half winner earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

In a battle between the two principal candidates to take over at Barca next season after Luis Enrique announced his decision to step down at the end of the season, Jorge Sampaoli edged out Ernesto Valverde in a nervy 90 minutes at the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Sevilla remains third, just a point behind Real Madrid, which also has a game in hand on its title rivals.

The host started brightly as Stevan Jovetic headed just over before Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz made a fine double save to deny Jovetic and Joaquin Correa.

Sevilla was awarded a penalty on 14 minutes when Luciano Vietto was upended by Borja Etxeita.

And despite Iraizoz's best efforts once more as he saved Jovetic's spot-kick, Iborra forced home the rebound for the only goal.

Athletic twice came close to an equaliser either side of half-time as Raul Garcia headed against the woodwork before stinging the palms of Sergio Rico.

However, Sevilla held on to remain firmly in the title hunt.