Athletic lose to Real Betis at San Mames

Athletic Club's European hopes suffered a setback with Real Betis' 0-1 win at San Mames on Thursday night. But with five games left to play, there is still enough football left to play and enough faith in the team to keep fighting.

An early Willian José goal off a Juan Miranda throw-in turned the match into an uphill battle. Los Leones were much improved in a great second half, but between Oihan Sancet hitting the crossbar and Claudio Bravo denying Iñaki Williams and Raúl García, they were unable to get the equaliser they deserved.

Athletic have now dropped to eighth in the standings, allowing other teams to enter the fight for seventh place. This Saturday's Copa final between Real Madrid and Osasuna will decide if seventh is a position which provides access to the Europa Conference next season.

The tribute to Athletic's last league champions, with Dani Ruiz-Bazán and Javier Clemente leading the way, had The Cathedral buzzing. But that balloon was soon popped as Willian Jose's early blow stunned San Mames into silence. Things could have got worse with Ayoze Pérez firing a decent chance straight at Unai Simón moments after the Brazilian striker's goal.

Los Leones thought they might have had a penalty before the break, but a VAR revision correctly ruled that Miranda had not handled the ball. Athletic were paying dearly for their inaccuracies. Betis felt comfortable and had the clear upper hand throughout most of the first 45.

The Zurigorri played with more purpose after the break. Sancet forced a save from Bravo with header. And in the 57th minute, Ander Herrera and Raúl García were brought off the bench to shake things up. Athletic went for it, and San Mames went with them. Sancet hit the crossbar with a marvellous volley and Bravo did well to keep out Iñaki and Raúl García at close range.

There seemed to be no way through. But Athletic kept going for it. Adu Ares, who showed some good touches coming off the bench, went close, while Herrera scuffed a sitter in the dying moments.

Los Rojiblancos poor luck was summed up in the 93rd minute as Dani Vivian saw red after a VAR check on his challenge on Borja Iglesias.

Athletic are in desperate need of some good fortune, but the players must not let their heads drop. They must recover their strength and get ready to go again when they visit Villarreal next weekend.

At half-time, our 2023 One-Club Woman, Mati Martínez, received a standing ovation for devoting her career to Fundación Albacete.