**Athletic Bilbao Beats Las Palmas 1-0: Set Piece Goal Secures Victory**

In a thrilling match that showcased the skills and discipline of both teams, Athletic Bilbao secured their victory over Las Palmas with a decisive set piece goal in the final minute of regulation time.

The match was played on a sunny afternoon at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, where the home side had been looking to maintain their league lead after a challenging start to the season. Las Palmas, meanwhile, were coming off a strong performance against Real Madrid earlier in the week but faced stiff resistance from Athletic.

The opening half saw both teams exchanging shots, with neither team able to break through the other's defense. However, it wasn't until the second half that things began to change. In the 67th minute, Athletic took advantage of a corner kick to create a golden opportunity for substitute goalkeeper Diego Forlán.

Forlán made a stunning save to deny Las Palmas' forward, but his diving effort left the ball unmarked for substitute striker Xabi Alonso. The midfielder took a few moments to gather himself before unleashing a powerful header that soared over the Las Palmas defenders and into the back of the net.

The goal came as a surprise to many, as it was not expected from a team known for their defensive prowess. However, it proved to be the game-winner, securing Athletic Bilbao's third win in four matches this season and moving them up to fourth place in La Liga standings.

The set piece goal also highlighted the importance of preparation and execution in football. Athletic had worked hard on their corner kicks during training, and their execution on this occasion was flawless. This success could serve as motivation for the club as they look to continue their impressive run in the league.

As the players celebrated their victory, coach Unai Emery expressed satisfaction with his team's performance. "We knew we would have to work hard today," he said. "We focused on creating chances and executing them well. We're happy with the result and ready to move on."

Las Palmas manager Carlos Sánchez also praised Athletic for their resilience. "It was a tough match, and we didn't give up. We tried everything to score, but Athletic kept us honest. We'll learn from this loss and come back stronger next time."

The victory over Las Palmas marks a significant milestone for Athletic Bilbao, solidifying their position in the league race and setting the stage for more challenges ahead. With the remaining fixtures in the season, Athletic will face some tough opponents, including Barcelona and Sevilla, so they must remain focused and prepared for whatever comes their way.