Athletic Club - Getafe CF

Athletic Club kicked off the season with a 1-1 draw at San Mamés against Getafe CF. A goal from Oihan Sancet had put the Lions in control, but Jose Bordalás' team equalised when Chrisantus Uche scored a header from a corner.

Athletic found it hard to impose their rhythm and to win second balls... and Getafe made them pay for it. 

The Lions were well covered at the back, with Alex Padilla producing an impressive debut performance.

Athletic went ahead in the 26th minute. Sancet received the ball on the edge of the box before whipping a curling effort past David Soria. The Zurigorri grew in confidence and Iñaki Williams had a chance to make it 2-0.

Getafe started the second half brightly. Peter Federico hit the post and and Padilla stuck out his left leg at the right time to deny Carles Aleña in a one-v-one situation. The Madrid side deserved an equaliser and it Uche got it with a header in the 64th minute.

Nico Williams came on to a standing ovation and Athletic picked up the pace. The European champion didn't take long to trouble the Getafe defence and forced David Soria into a great save with a shot from distance. 

Athletic were unsettled by the continuous stoppages and perplexed by the short five minutes of stoppage time, but there was one last chance when Soria pushed away a powerful Yuri Berchiche shot.

Now the Lions have a 10-day break before they face FC Barcelona in Catalonia.