Athletic Club - Slavia Praha

Athletic Club defeated a formidable Slavia Praha side 1-0 at San Mames on Thursday night. The Lions, aware of how difficult the Europa League is, passed a tough physical test against Jindřich Trpišovský's team.

A goal from Nico Williams, who pulled the strings at the most difficult moments, and a serene performance by Julen Agirrezabala shaped a vital win which takes Los Leones towards the top of table with seven points from nine.

Slavia were a handful. They were brave and showed no mercy. Julen soon had to tighten his gloves against Simion Michez's onslaught.

In the 26th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for a Jan Bořil foul on Iñaki Williams in the box. Nico was ready to take the spot-kick when suddenly VAR reversed due to a soft Gorka Guruzeta challenge in the build-up.

Far from being affected, Ernesto Valverde's side grew into the game. They got the winning goal in the 33rd minute when Nico Williams unleashed a left-footed shot that took a deflection off David Zima. 

The goal didn't come easy and the Lions defended it tooth and nail, with the great Julen denying  Slavia until the end with a great save to keep out Tomáš Chorý's, while the fantastic Lukas Provod threatened from all angles.

The Zurigorri barely threatened except for a Dani Vivian long ball which found Iñaki Williams as he rounded the keeper, but the no.9's pass back into the box found nobody.

San Mamés helped Athletic hold out for an important win, which comes on a night when Oscar de Marcos equalled Txetxu Rojo as our third-highest apperance maker ever.

Slavia showed Athletic how truly tough the Europa League can be. But step by step, and with humility, the Lions are heading in the right direction.