Athletic impress against Borussia Dortmund

Athletic Club leave the Swiss tour with a big smile on their faces after playing a very complete match against Borussia Dortmund, who they subdued with pressure and good football.

Raúl García, from the penalty spot, and Daniel Vivian made the difference against the powerful German team, who were behind the Lions almost the entire match. The final score of 0-2 was fair and could even have been higher, if Alex Berenguer hadn’t been denied by keeper Bürki in a one-on-one situation.

The large Borussia crowd in St. Gallen’s Kybunpark was no doubt impressed by Marcelino’s side.

The first half was of a very high standard. During the first half hour, Athletic subdued Dortmund with very high pressure.  There was a succession of approaches, corners, and good crosses from Jon Morcillo as well as shots by Unai Nuñez.

Borussia Dortmund almost scored in the 30th minute, but centre-back Yeray cleared the ball on the line when Erling Haaland was already close to scoring. Yeray picked up an injury and was replaced by Iñigo Martínez as a precaution.

If the Lions’ first half performance was remarkable, the second half set-up was effective. By the 56th minute, Athletic were leading 0-2. First goalkeeper Bürki conceded a penalty after fouling Asier Villalibre, who was hit as he was about to head in Mikel Balenziaga‘s cross. Raúl García converted the subsequent penalty.

Vivian would score his second goal as a Lion after getting on the end of a superb set-piece delivery by Berenguer at the far post. In between, Julen Agirrezabala made a fine point-blank save from Tigges.

The good news was the attacking display, but the defensive performance was no less praise-worthy. The game ended under the rain and with Athletic looking for the third. Agirrezabala was also forced into making another good save.

A fine all-round performance and now the Lions will continue working in Lezama before visiting Union Berlin on July 31.