- Home
- Teams
- Athletic Club
- 2023-24
- Real Racing Club de Santander - Athletic Club
Real Racing Club de Santander - Athletic Club
LocationFernando Astobiza , Sarón - Santa María de Cayón
Stalemate in friendly against Racing Santander
Athletic Club fail to find the net and their best chances came only at the end of the game
Athletic Club and Racing Club Santander played out a goalless draw in the town of Sarón, Cantabria. Despite the lack of goals there was a great atmosphere among the crowd, which was mostly made up of children. There was even a pitch invasion at full-time as the kids went in search of photos and autographs.
Ernesto Valverde's side had their best chances in the closing stages, with Nico Williams, Adu Ares and Ander Herrera going close. However, the Lions could not find a way past former Athletic player Jokin Ezkieta.
Both teams struggled to break out from the other's pressure, while some long stops in play (due to an injury to Racing's Peque Fernández and a health scare with a spectator) disprupted the rhythm of the game.
Athletic had the clearest opportunity of the half when Asier Villalibre laid the ball off to Alex Berenguer, whose shot across goal went narrowly wide.
Fans also got their first glimpse of left-back Imanol García de Albeniz, who was making his first team debut after five months injured on the sidelines. However, Yeray picked up a knock before half-time and was replaced by Peru Nolaskoain.
Iker Muniain tried to unlock Racing's well-drilled defence with some one-two and combination play, but the no-10 found no gaps. Unai Simon had a quiet half, only being called up to deal with a Ruben Alves shot after an Iñigo Vicente free-kick.
Ezkieta rushed off his line to deny Iñaki Williams early on in the second half. Julen Agirrezabala came on in the break and at the hour mark Valverde changed the entire line-up. The fresh legs saw Athletic play with more intensity and create better chances.
Raúl García threatened first, Nico Williams tested former team-mate Ezkieta and Herrera twice struck wide from the edge of the box. It was a party for the spectators, but no goals.