Real Valladolid - Athletic Club
Matchday 26
Liga

Real Valladolid - Athletic Club

Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid
13
Athletic Club
Athletic Club
  • 74' Larin
  • I. Martínez 30'
  • Guruzeta 57'
  • Vesga (p.) 78'

LocationJosé Zorrilla , Valladolid

21.707 assistants

Impressive victory at Pucela

Athletic Club go into the internatioal break with a much-needed that puts them back in the fight for Europe

It came at just the right time. It was the win Athletic needed to get back in the fight for Europe. The Lions head into the break with an emphatic 1-3 win at Pucela.Three vital points and a feeling of vindication after good displays against Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona which brought no rewards. Ernesto Valverde's men sleep in seventh place.

Athletic came out determined to win the game. They pressed hard, attacked the bylines and won corners. They could have taken the lead when Iñaki Williams played in Oihan Sancet and when Mikel Vesga had a shot saved by Asensjo. The opening goal came in the 29th minute, an Iñigo Martínez free-kick taking a wicked deflection off Óscar Plano before going in.

Encouraged by a packed out away end, Los Leones went all out for the second after the break. Time and time again they looked to exploit the right flank. Nico Williams missed and Gorka Guruzeta had a chance and missed. The latter got Athletic's second when a low Oscar de Marcos cross found him at the back post.

Pacheta's side pulled one back via Cyle Larin, but then Nico won a penalty for handball by Joaquín and Vesga stepped up to convert from the spot. Mikel almost made it 1-4, but his left-footed curling shot hit the post.

Great news before the international break, Athletic are on the rise at a key moment as they prepare to host Getafe in LaLiga and Osasuna in the Copa semi-final.