Deportivo Alavés - Athletic Club

Athletic Club fell to a 1-0 loss against Deportivo Alaves in our second clash of the 2025/26 pre-season.

An exercise in building up fitness and making sure players got minutes in their legs, the Laguardia Trophy match also served as a tribute to hometown hero Oscar de Marcos.

The Oscar de Marcos Stadium, recently renamed in the former Athletic captain's honour, was packed and buzzing with excitement.

The clash started off slowly but picked up as the first-half went on with the Lions having several chances to find an opener before the break.

Robert Navarro, Nico Williams, getting his first run out after signing a new contract, and Oihan Sancet all had opportunities to score, but Antonio Sivera was alert in goal for Alaves.

Our Basque opponents also had their chances. However, Unai Simón, also making a first apperance this season, was in good form between the sticks.

Ernesto Valverde changed the entire line-up at half-time. Maroan Sannadi came on to get his first minutes of the campaign.

Athletic immediately after the restart. Sellu Diallo struck after a quick transition, his low shot beating Alex Padilla.

The Zurigorri worked hard and pushed for an equaliser with Urko Izeta, Beñat Prados and Nico Serrano going close.

Aitor Paredes was inches away from tucking away a Maroan cross at the back post but couldn't quite connect properly.

Despite the result it was a good run out for the squad as Athletic continue preparing for the upcoming season.