Álex Berenguer has had an immediate impact at Athletic Club. The Lions’ most recent addition made his first start for Athletic against Levante on Sunday and the left-winger topped off the moment by bagging a first goal for his new side.
Since the turn of the century, only five other Athletic players have scored on their full debuts in LaLiga Santander: Markel Susaeta, Joseba Del Olmo, Raúl García, Peru Nolaskoain and Asier Villalibre.
Markel Susaeta made his full debut in the 2007-08 season, starting in a 3-1 defeat against FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The winger scored his first Athletic goal in the 71st minute, tucking away a poorly timed punch clearance by Víctor Valdés.
In 2008-09, left-winger Joseba Del Olmo scored during his first Athletic Club start. Del Olmo got the equaliser as Athletic, then managed by Joaquín Caparrós, fell to a 2-1 away defeat against UD Almeria.
The other two lions to have scored on their full LaLiga debuts for Athletic are in the current squad. Attacking midfielder Raúl García got Athletic’s second of the match on his first start, with the Lions going on to beat Getafe CF 3-1 on Matchday 3 of the 2015-16 season.
Defender Peru Nolaskoain got his first goal on his first start when Athletic played CD Leganés at San Mamés in their 2018-19 LaLiga opener. Finally, striker Asier Villalibre celebrated wildly after grabbing a goal on his full debut as the lions drew 1-1 in a LaLiga clash against RCD Espanyol.
Squad list: Athletic Club vs Granada CF (LaLiga Matchday 26)
First Team
The 23 players called up for Sunday night’s match against Granada CF
Marcelino: “We must keep working hard to win”
First Team
The gaffer analysed Sunday night’s match as the Lions get set to take on Granada
ZOOM I The day we reached a second final
First Team
Behind-the-scenes footage from a historic day for the Lions as they reached a second consecutive Copa final
Highlights I Levante UD 1-2 Athletic Club I Copa semi-final (2nd leg)
First Team
Marcelino’s Lions leave it late to secure a place in the Copa 2020-21 final
Marcelino: “We were patient and consistent”
First Team
The Athletic Club boss analysed the Lions’ Copa del Rey semi-final win against Levante
Raúl García: “It’s an honour to fight alongside this group of friends”
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Raúl García emphasised Athletic’s team spirit after their Copa semi-final win over Levante
Another Copa del Rey final for Athletic!
First Team
Berenguer secures another Copa final for the Lions, who will face Real Sociedad and Barcelona in consecutive finas in April
Confirmed line-ups: Levante UD vs Athletic Club
First Team
The XIs for tonight’s Copa semi-final second leg
Iñigo Martínez’s ban injunction denied
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The Athletic Club player will not be available for tonight’s game against Levante UD
Global TV Guide: Levante UD vs Athletic Club (Copa semi-final 2nd leg)
First Team
The broadcasters and kick-off times for Athletic’s Copa del Rey semi-final decider against Levante UD