Villarreal picked up a third successive Liga victory and extended their unbeaten start to the season by beating Athletic Bilbao 3-1 at El Madrigal tonight.

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The breakthrough came just before half time when Leo Baptistao was fouled in the box by Carlos Gurpegui, with Bruno stroking home the resulting penalty.

The hosts, who had two wins and a draw to be proud of coming into the clash, doubled their lead midway through the second half when Mario Gaspar's long-range hit left Gorka Iraizoz with no chance.

Marcelino's men then grabbed a third goal, for the third successive game, to effectively seal the points when Baptistao fired home on the 80-minute mark.

Bilbao, who have now lost three of their first four games, threw themselves the slimmest of lifelines when Aritz Aduriz reduced the arrears late on, but it was not enough.