Athletic Club - Deportivo Alavés

Athletic Club defeated Deportivo Alavés 2-1 in a friendly played in Lezama on Wednesday morning.

Captain Iker Muniain, with a penalty, and young winger Jon Morcillo got the goals for the lions. It was a first pre-season victory for coach Gaizka Garitano’s side, who face Real Oviedo this Friday.

The game started well for Athletic, Kenan Kodro went close early on after getting his head on the end of a Asier Villalibre cross.

Nevertheless, Alavés’ powerful strike duo Joselu and Lucas Pérez caused some problems and Mikel Balenziaga was on alert to block a Pérez shot on the line.

As the game progressed, the lions started to dominate in the middle of the pitch, moving the ball around nicely.

Garitano’s charges went ahead in the 28th minute after Muniain converted a penalty. The referee blew for the penalty when Oier Luengo was fouled during a Morcillo corner.

Athletic goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta stopped a rampaging Joselu in his tracks and soon after Morcillo scored his first senior-team goal after catching a sloppy back pass and rounding Alavés keeper Antonio Sivera.

Pablo Machín’s side managed to pull one back in the 47th minute thanks to a header from forward Deyverson.

The second-half was an even affair with neither side having any clear-cut chances. And, most importantly, no injuries.