Athletic Club

Athletic hit the fast lane: third consecutive victory with win against Elche CF

Guruzeta scores twice to seal a victory the Lions should have wrapped up earlier

Athletic Club defeated Elche CF 2-1 in a match decided by Gorka Guruzeta's accuracy from the penalty spot.

Ernesto Valverde's men secured their third league victory, climbing up the table to within one point of Europe.

The Lions deserved all three points and had to wait until the 88th minute, when Aymeric Laporte was fouled by Pedro Bigas. Our defender dived to head the ball but Bigas misjudged his clearance and kicked Laporte in the face. The referee checked with VAR before giving the penalty. Guruzeta made no mistake and scored his 13th goal of the season.

Athletic's high press pinned Eder Sarabia's team in their own half as we repeatedly stole possession in their half.

Iñigo Ruiz Galarreta played Oihan Sancet through on goal, but the attacking midfielder missed the target. The chances kept coming. Two for Guruzeta, another for Alejandro Rego, one more from the striker after a mistake by Matias Dituro.

A great Yuri run down the left provided Iñaki Williams with a chance to put Athletic ahead, but the Elche goalkeeper made a great save.

Elche adjusted better in the second half. Dituro thwarted Sancet, but the first goal arrived shortly after, in the 64th minute. Galarreta connected with Yuri and a masterful pass from the full-back found Guruzeta at the near post. A great goal.

However, two minutes later, Elche were awarded a penalty for an Iñigo Lekue foul on Germán Valera. Andre Silva beat Unai Simón with his first attempt but was obliged to retake it due to a double touch. The Portuguese scored with his second try.

With debutant Eder García on the pitch, Athletic threw everything they had left at their opponents, and Galarreta stepped up again in a key moment.

The defining moment came just before stoppage time. Laporte went all in to reach a cross. Play was stopped for four minutes as the centre-back was treated and the referee consulted with VAR. Guruzeta showed no mercy.

Athletic have moved into the fast lane and are now looking up the table, but we can't afford to let our guard down.