Athletic Club Secures Late Victory Over Atlético Madrid
Athletic Club defeated Atlético de Madrid 1-0 in a hard-fought match at San Mamés. The game saw an early injury scare for Athletic’s Aymeric Laporte adn a dominant performance from Athletic winger Nico Williams, culminating in a decisive goal from Iñaki Berenguer in the 84th minute.
The match began at a frantic pace, wiht referee Muñiz Ruiz issuing three yellow cards within the first 20 minutes.Sancet had an early possibility for Athletic in the 1st minute, heading a good cross just off target.Atlético responded with a clear chance from almada, but his shot was directly at Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón.
A worrying moment arrived in the 32nd minute when Aymeric Laporte went down with an apparent injury following a challenge. His reaction prompted a substitution,bringing on Dani Vivian. The extent of Laporte’s injury is yet to be fully persistent, though initial indications suggest it may not be as serious as first feared.The injury slowed the tempo, with only a left-footed attempt from Julián Álvarez, which went just wide, and a header from sancet, comfortably saved by Oblak, punctuating the remainder of the first half.
Following the break, Athletic focused its attack through Nico Williams, who repeatedly troubled Atlético’s Nahuel Molina. Williams showed generosity by attempting to set up Gorka Guruzeta,but the forward failed to connect cleanly with the ball. Atlético’s Julián Álvarez struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the 65th minute, alongside another forward, for Antoine Griezmann and alexander Sorloth, as Simeone sought fresh attacking options.
Despite the changes, Athletic continued to press, with Aitor Paredes missing a close-range opportunity from a corner. Atlético attempted to counter, with Giuliano firing a powerful shot saved by Unai Simón. Athletic then launched another attack, with Nico Williams delivering a ball to Sancet, whose shot sailed over the bar.Williams then had a chance himself, shooting at the near post but finding Oblak in the way.
The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute. Following a chance for Atlético from Sorloth, Athletic quickly recovered possession and Nico Williams found Iñaki Berenguer with a pass. Berenguer scored with a shot described as being delivered “more with his soul than with his legs,” securing a 1-0 victory for Athletic Club and boosting their European qualification hopes.
