Athletic Club

Athletic start the summer with a win against SD Ponferradina

Sancet scored the only goal of the friendly match against SD Ponferradina, which was full of experiments

Athletic got the pre-season ball rolling in Urritxe with a 1-0 win over SD Ponferradina. Under a beautiful atmosphere, and celebrating SD Amorebieta's centenary, the Lions got their first minutes under their belts.

Ernesto Valverde used the opportunity to experiment lining up several players in more unfamiliar positions. The pre-season, logically, is for testing and building up fitness

Athletic struggled to score their first goal of the summer. It didn't come until the 36th minute, with Oihan Sancet striking home after being set up by Alejandro Rego.

Oihan also had a right-footed effort which hit the crossbar, while Nico Serrano, Peio Canales and Urko Izeta had further chances to score.

The second half was more lively, but Ponferradina were more compact in defense. Their shotstopper thwarted two perfect headers and denied Andoni Gorosabel after the defender was set up by Robert Navarro.

Ponfe only troubled Athletic on one occasion, with Alex Padillia parrying away Esquerdo's left-footed shot. After that Beñat Prados headed over the bar from an Alex Berenguer cross.

It was a joy for the youngsters, who invaded the pitch at the end. It was also an unforgettable day for Amorebieta director Jose Mari Gisasola, who received a beautiful tribute from his idol Jose Angel Iribar.