Athletic Club

Athletic fall to defeat in a cagey derby

Athletic lost to Deportivo Alavés in a physical match marked by heavy challenges, with Denis Suarez scoring after his cross took a deflection off Berenguer

Athletic Club fell to a 0-1 defeat at San Mamés against Deportivo Alavés in a derby of few chances, strong tackles and nervy moments.

The winning goal came when Denis Suárez received a short corner and his cross took a wicked deflection off Alex Berenguer, sailing over Unai Simón's head.

It was a tough setback, but at least there is some consolation in the lLaLiga standings, where the Lions still have nine points.

Now we must get ready for the start of our Champions League campaign on Tuesday as we host the mighty Arsenal FC.

The first half passed without any major surprises. There were only a couple of chances, with Mikel Jauregizar the first Lion to test Antonio Sivera.

Eduardo Coudet made a triple substitution at half-time and Toni Martínez forced Simón into a save not long after the break. The goal came from a short corner in the 56th minute.

Athletic responded by throwing everything at their opponents. Sivera saved a precise header from Iñaki Williams and then Alex himself tested Sivera after dancing his way into the box. But Athletic couldn't find a breakthrough and the match petered out.

After full-time Aymeric Laporte came out to greet the fans and joined his teammates in the post-match chants. Great news after an evening that did not go as expected.