Athletic Club - Granada CF

Athletic Club climb up the table with their third consecutive win, which consolidates their place among European Positions. Nothing less than 13 out of the last 15 possible points. The 2-0 against Granada was a display of dominance, with an excellent defensive performance and effectivity in the few chances the team from Granada, solid as a granite block, allowed them to have. Raúl García, from a penalty-kick, and Yuri Berchiche were the goalscorers, who made it clear that San Mamés’ stronghold is back. The homage to Carmelo and Williams went really well.

With the exception of an early scare, when Simón lost the grip of the ball but was able to react quickly to palm it to safety, Athletic did not give their opponents’ any options. Machís’ dribbling moves were the only occasions Athletic found unsettling. Córdoba, who was given enthusiastic ovation from the spectators, and Yuri built up a fine move where Raúl García sent the ball straight into Rui Silva’s hands. Williams, active from the start, also tried to score without luck after receiving a ball assisted by Sancet.

Past the half-hour mark, a mistake from Domingos Duarte, who pushed Raúl García inside the box when their keeper had the ball, smoothed the way. The player from Navarra did not score in his first attempt at taking the penalty kick, which Cordero Vega asked them to repeat because the Portuguese goalkeeper had stepped forward ahead of time, but he managed to do it the second time.

Gaizka Garitano’s side conducted the game brilliantly. They handled the ball with composure, passing well, with Unai López as a reference, being able to take advantage of their chance to round off the scoring when Yuri Berchiche, after Unai’s assistance, ran like the wind to net the second goal.