BARCELONA — Two goals by Victor Sanchez and one by Sergio Garcia gave Espanyol a thrilling 3-2 home win against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league Monday. Sanchez intercepted Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz's clearance and fired a long-range shot that bounced in off the near post in the 24th minute. Bilbao intercepted Espanyol's attack and Oscar de Marcos pulled one back in the 43rd, before Sanchez doubled his tally in the 49th, and Garcia scored in the 66th. Ibai Gomez scored again for Bilbao by striking an unstoppable direct free into the top left corner of Francisco Casilla's goal in injury time. Atletico Madrid shares the league lead with Barcelona on a perfect 15 points after five matches. Espanyol is fifth on 11 and Bilbao sixth on nine. Dortmund coach banned Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has been handed a one-match ban by European football's governing body UEFA following his “pathetic” antics during the 2-1 Champions League defeat at Napoli. The explosive 46-year-old manager will have to watch next Tuesday's home European group tie to French runner-up Marseille from the stands next Tuesday. UEFA's disciplinary commission will meet on Oct. 2 to decide whether Klopp will be suspended a further match or handed a fine. Klopp, who led Dortmund to the Champions League final last season where it was narrowly beaten 2-1 by treble-winning Bayern Munich, received the penalty after verbally abusing the fourth official during its fiery fixture against joint Serie A leader Napoli on Sept. 18. He was subsequently sent to the stands by the match referee and later apologized for his over exuberant outburst. Balotelli handed 3-match ban Mario Balotelli has been banned for three matches following a confrontation with the referee after AC Milan's loss to Napoli. Balotelli, who missed a penalty and scored in Sunday's match, was shown a second yellow card after the final whistle for his protests. The Italy striker will miss the next three matches for making “insulting and intimidating comments” toward the referee. Balotelli will miss the games against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus, although Milan may appeal the sentence. Milan will have its Curva Sud shut for the next home game against Sampdoria as punishment for racist chanting during the loss to Napoli. — Agencies
