A unfortunate own goal denies Athletic victory

Athletic Club had to settle for a point against Sevilla FC. They had a fourth straight win at their fingertips, but two points slipped away with a 93rd-minute own goal from an unfortunate rebound.

Ejuke found space, crossed and as Unai Nuñez tried to clear the ball, it struck the crossbar and hit the back of Alex Padilla before going in.

Athletic looked to have it all under control, cruising to a 1-0 win until the 82nd minute when Julen Agirrezabala was sent off for fouling Mateo as the last man even though the goalkeeper appeared to have touched the ball. 

Mikel Jauregizar scored his first goal as a Lion and Ernesto Valverde had chances to score more, with Alex Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta going close.

The Lions came into the fixture off the back of a gruelling trip to Rome. Logically, Valverde had to make rotations. 

García Pimienta's took the early initiative, but the first clear chance of the match came from a textbook counter-attack with Nico Williams playing in Iñaki, who mistimed a left-footed shot from close range.

Athletic scored in 36th minute. Berenguer took a free-kick and Jauregizar pounced on a weak clearance to score. The Lions almost double theird lead immediately. Iñaki Williams stole possession but his shot was saved by Nyland's foot and Nianzou stopped it from crossing the line.

After the break, Lukebakio hit the post with a left-footed shot. Valverde made regular changes, while Berenguer and Gorka Guruzeta threatened.

Peio Canales came off the bench for his debut and it was his long pass back to Agirrezabala's dismissal which changed the course of the match.

Padilla brilliantly saved a Gudelj free-kick and Lukebakio had a shot blocked by Yuri. 

The unfortunate own goal followed shortly after. However, Athletic never gave up and Iñaki almost made it 2-1 when he had a thunderous right shot parried away by Nyland.

Now it's time to focus on European football returning to San Mames as we take on AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.