Athletic Bilbao joined the three most successful Spanish clubs at the top of the Primera Liga following a win at Xerez.

Before Sunday's late game, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia were the only teams to win both of their opening games.

But those sides, who between them have won all of the past nine league titles and boast seven Champions League final appearances since 1998, were joined on six points by Athletic as the Basques completed a hard-fought win at Xerez thanks to a David Prieto own-goal.

Athletic, league champions in 1983 and 1984, have long since failed to compete with Spain's best sides.

However, an appearance in last year's Copa del Rey final and a subsequent return to European competition have raised the profile of the Basque Country's finest club.

Due to their Europa League qualifying commitments and the two legs of the Spanish Supercup, Athletic had already played six matches before the Primera Liga had even started.

And their extra sharpness showed as they defeated Espanyol in the opening round of matches at San Mames before the international break.

Nevertheless, the Basques were forced onto the back foot by Xerez as they sought to impress their fans in what was their first ever top-flight fixture at home.

The Andalusians began with an aggressive 4-3-3 formation and caused the visitors problems early on.

Momo saw his cross deflected behind for a corner after five minutes and Emiliano Armenteros forced Athletic keeper Gorka Iraizoz into a fine save straight after that.

But Athletic then came close as Fernando Llorente sent an acrobatic overhead kick just wide after 12 minutes.

And a minute later, Joaquin Caparros' side won a penalty after Abel Gomez handled Gaizka Toquero's shot.

The Basques failed to take advantage, though, as Javi Martinez saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Renan Brito.

Armenteros then shot over at the other end as Xerez sought to capitalise further on Athletic's miss.

But they would soon receive some bad luck of their own as Prieto turned Markel Susaeta's cross into his own net after half an hour.

Llorente shot just wide after that as the visitors looked to double their advantage, but Xerez came back strongly.

Mario Bermejo forced Iraizoz into another fine save five minutes before half-time and Aythami Artiles saw his effort deflected just wide shortly after that.

But Llorente then missed a glorious chance on the stroke of half-time, when he headed into the woodwork. It was a lucky escape for Xerez.

The locals had their chances in the second period, with Momo and Emilio Viqueira both coming close early on for Jose Angel Ziganda's side.

But Athletic also had opportunities to build on their lead through Susaeta and Toquero.

Later, after Iraizoz saved from Viqueira and Momo had shot just over from a great position with less than 10 minutes left, it looked as if it would not be Xerez's day.

And frustration got the better of Jesus Mendoza, who was correctly sent off for scything down Iker Muniain with three minutes left.

His departure spelt the end of Xerez's hopes of a point and Athletic held on to preserve their 100 per cent record.

Xerez, meanwhile, remain pointless after their first two top-flight matches.