Athletic Bilbao thrashed Almeria as they shook off their sluggish start to 2014.

Athletic Bilbao tightened their grip on fourth place in the Primera Division with a resounding 6-1 victory at home to Almeria.

Midfielder Mikel Rico opened the scoring with just six minutes played and Ander Herrera doubled the lead just four minutes later.

Aymeric Laporte made it 3-0 just after the half-hour mark, but Helder Barbosa gave Francisco Javier Rodriguez's side faint hope by scoring before half-time.

However, further goals from Aritz Aduriz put the hosts further ahead and a double from substitute Ibai Gomez completed the rout.