Areso, Robert Navarro and Rego make official Athletic Club debuts

Apart from Athletic Club's 3-2 victory over Sevilla FC, the start of the 2025/26 season saw three debuts: Jesús Areso, Robert Navarro and Alejandro Rego made their first apperances.

They became the respective 651st, 652nd and 653rd Lions to wear the Zurigorri shirt.

Areso had previously spent four years at Lezama and has returned to the Zurigorri ranks after a brief spell at CA Osasuna. The right-back played 83 minutes.

Navarro had a brilliant debut. The attacking midfielder, who joined this summer from RCD Mallorca, came on in the 66th minute and scored the decisive goal.

"I hope to be able to repeat this feeling soon," he said after the match.

"Playing at San Mamés gives you goosebumps. When I came here as a visiting player, you could feel the pressure. Now it's my home. It's been a spectacular and unforgettable day."

Rego fulfilled every Athletic fan's dream. After joining the club as a youth player and completing pre-season training this summer under Ernesto Valverde, he was given seven minutes in addition to stoppage time.

He said: "I'm very happy. I was cheering on the team from the sidelines, and when they told me to come on, I felt super excited.

"I've been here since I was a kid, and making my debut at San Mames with a win was an incredible feeling."