Athletic add to their Champions League qualification by securing a place in the 2026 Super Cup thanks to a superb Berenguer goal and tremendous team effort at Mestalla
This magnificent team built by Ernesto Valverde has no ceiling. Three days after clinching Champions League qualification, the Lions have achieved a well-deserved and hard-earned 0-1 victory at Mestalla thanks to an outstanding goal from Alex Berenguer - a curling strike into the top corner, the only way to beat that wall called Giorgi Mamardashvilli.
Fourth place, a spot in next season's Spanish Super Cup, in which we will face FC Barcelona in Saudi Arabia again and two less round in the Copa del Rey. A historic season.
Athletic has achieved its last objective, while under immense pressure Villarreal CF, in the penultimate fixture of the campaign. It came via a brilliant team performance.
Unai Simón has a wall in front of him, and when it is breached, he takes charge. Just like how he kept out Luis Rioja today. Only nine goals conceded in the second half of the season is an incredible statistic.
Athletic came out determined to win. Oihan Sancet misfired a clear chance in the box and then had a goal disallowed for offside. Minutes later, Gorka Guruzeta almost netted a marvellous backheel goal from an Iñigo Lekue cross.
Just before half-time Simón was forced into action to deal with a Mouctar Diakhaby header. The goalkeeper was alert to sweep up at the back while Athletic applied the screws in search of an opener.
It came with 20 minutes to go in the form of Berenguer's tremendous shot from outside the area. Unai Gómez then had a chance to double our lead as he got a foot to Iñaki Williams' cutback.
Los Leonaes defended their lead with ease and the visiting fans went wild as the final whistle sounded.
Oscar de Marcos deserves no other conclusion to his remarkable career than a comfortable match full of emotion at San Mamés against FC Barcelona.
It will no doubt be a display of tears, joy and pride - all at the same time. This team has honoured our captain and he will leave with his club in an excellent position.
