Athletic Club

Nico Williams leads Athletic to a hard-fought victory against Sevilla

The winger scored from the penalty spot and set up goals for Maroan and Robert Navarro against an opponent that pushed hard in the second half

Athletic Club have kicked off LaLiga 2025/26 with a valuable victory. They took all three points in a win that saw them battle hard to overcome a Sevilla FC side that raised their game in the second half.

Nico Williams, who had San Mamés crowd at his feet, was the star of the show throughout. He won the penalty that opened the scoring and then stepped up to convert it.

The winger then provided Maroan with the assist to make it 2-0 and when things got very difficult with the opponent pushing hard and going level, Nico produced some magic to set up Robert Navarro to score on his debut and give Athletic a 3-2 win. No wonder Robert wanted to kiss his boots.

It was a fast-paced game with some amazing twists and turns. Athletic came out strong, creating many chances and getting a lot of corners, but Unai Simón was still at hand to save an effort by Akor.

The Lions were in control against an unconfident opponent, who barely threatened except for a Lukebakio effort that Mikel Jauregizar deflected onto the post.

Our first goal came in the 33rd minute. Alex Berenguer played a long ball to Nico Williams, who was brought down by Juanlu in the box. The younger Williams brother sent Nyland the wrong way and kissed the badge as he celebrated the goal.

The international winger was not satisfied and assisted Maroan, dribbling his way down the left before playing in a cross for the striker to tuck home.

Sevilla FC were transformed after the break. They stepped up and put the Lions on the ropes. However, Nico did have a chance to make it 3-0 with a left-footed shot that hit the woodwork just after the restart. Simón made a good save from Gudelj, but t

Akor had two chances to equalise, but it was Agoumé who finally did so with a left-footed shot in the 71st minute.

Nico took charge again and Athletic scored ten minutes later. He produced a bit of magic and Robert Navarro scored to dispel any fears of the Lions going home with just one point.

No doubt no.1 Club Member, Juan Antonio Virumbrales, breathed a sigh of relief from heaven.

Athletic had to hold on for the final push, with even debutant Alejandro Rego helping out with a saving leg.