Athletic fail to convert their total dominance into goals
A goalless draw at home against Deportivo Alavés in a match in which Sivera saved a penalty from Sancet
Athletic Club have drawn 0–0 at San Mamés in the derby against Deportivo Alavés, in a match in which they failed to convert their total dominance over the 90 minutes into goals. To make matters worse, Sivera saved a penalty from Sancet in the 69th minute. A setback to their run of form ahead of the winter break.
It was a similar script to other matches in terms of total control of the game and solid defensive work. Quique Sánchez Flores’s side did not trouble Unai Simón on a single occasion.
However, Edin Terzic’s side failed to create the clear-cut chances that such a high level of possession deserved. Jauregizar and Robert Navarro tested Sivera in the first half, and the goalkeeper was in fine form.
It was around the hour mark, after Terzic had made some substitutions, that Athletic came closest to scoring. Yuri fired in a shot and Tenaglia fouled Nico Williams in the box. Sancet, usually a reliable penalty-taker, missed.
The Lions kept trying and Nico Serrano, making his debut this season, came closest to scoring the winning goal. Athletic are in control, but they need results to climb the table.
