Athletic Club secures vital 2-1 home victory against Real Betis with a dominant first-half display.
Athletic Club secured a vital 2-1 victory over Real Betis at the Estadio de San Mamés. Defender Daniel Vivian and midfielder Oihan Sancet scored the decisive goals. Iñaki Williams provided two key assists in a hard-fought La Liga encounter.
Coming into the match, Athletic Club sat 12th in the league, showing recent improved form with two wins. Fifth-placed Real Betis, meanwhile, aimed to consolidate their European qualification spot. Betis' recent form suggested a tougher challenge than their earlier season run.
The home side started with intent, creating early chances. Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute. Iñaki Williams delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Daniel Vivian rose highest to guide a powerful header past Betis goalkeeper Pau López.
Athletic pressed for more, seeking to extend their advantage. They doubled their lead just before halftime. Williams again turned provider in the 45th minute. His intelligent pass found Oihan Sancet, who drilled a low shot into the net, sending Athletic into the break with a commanding lead.
Real Betis entered the break two goals down, despite holding more possession. Coach Manuel Pellegrini faced a major challenge at halftime. Tactical adjustments and fresh legs were clearly needed to spark a comeback.
Pellegrini responded with a triple substitution at the restart. Antony, A. Ortiz, and M. Roca entered the fray to inject urgency. Betis immediately showed greater attacking impetus, controlling the ball more effectively and pushing forward.
Their efforts paid off in the 75th minute. Pablo Fornals pulled one back for Real Betis, striking cleanly from just outside the box. The goal gave Betis renewed hope for an equalizer.
Moments later, C. Bakambu thought he had equalized for Betis, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside in the 77th minute. This critical decision dashed Betis' immediate comeback hopes. Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct amidst the tension.
The home side defended resolutely against Real Betis' increasing pressure in the final minutes. Substitutions for both sides saw fresh legs try to influence the closing stages. Natan received a yellow card for Betis in the 90th minute.
Despite only 39% possession, Athletic Club generated a higher Expected Goals (xG) of 1.25 compared to Betis' 0.48. Both teams registered 11 total shots, but Athletic had 6 on target to Betis' 3. Pau López made four saves for Betis, keeping his side in the contest.
This hard-fought 2-1 victory boosts Athletic Club's league standing, pushing them further from the bottom half. Real Betis missed a chance to solidify their European aspirations. They now face increased pressure from teams below them in the La Liga table.
