Sevilla FC - Athletic Club

Athletic Club lost 1-0 against Sevilla FC at the Sánchez-Pizjuán on the final day of the season. The defeat leaves Los Leones eighth in the LaLiga Sanander table and out of the Conference League, the competition they had hoped to qualify for in Andalusia.

A second-half goal from Rafa Mir proved decisive. However, Marcelino’s Lions had their chances, Yuri Berchiche having a goal disallowed by VAR and Iñaki Williams hitting the pos, both when the scores were level at 0-0

European qualification was just not to be for Los Leones. The loss to Sevilla aside, Athletic would not have gone through even if they had won, as Villarreal beat FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Julen Lopetegui’s side flexed their muscles from the start. Within the first ten minutes, Youssef En-Nesyri went close and Erik Lamela struck the post with a header.

Athletic thought they had gone ahead in the 26th minute when Yuri Berchiche’s drilled in a powerful low effort from just inside the box. However, the referee went to the pitchside VAR and ruled out the goal as the ball had touched Yuri’s arm before he shot.

Athletic have not had the best of luck with VAR this campaign, Villarreal’s Serge Aurier handball in a crucial clash match at the Estadio Ceramica still fresh in the mind.

Alex Berenguer went close to scoring just before the break, as did En Nesyri for Sevilla.

The Lions had a magnificent chance just after the restart. Berenguer had an effort saved by Dmitrovic and the rebound came back off Iñaki before hitting the post.

Rafa Mir move sealed the game for the Andalusiains in the 67th minute. Athletic kept attacking but they struggled to breakdown a stubborn defence and could not find an equaliser.

Los Rojiblancos showed their sportsmanship and respect for the game by giving a guard of honour to the linesmen, who are retiring.

A sad end for Athletic, but they close out the season with their heads held high.