Athletic Club began their La Liga campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sevilla at San Mamés in a match that had a little bit of everything. From a brilliant individual performance by Nico Williams to a stunning second-half comeback from Sevilla, this game was a breath of fresh air for fans. Ultimately, Robert Navarro's late goal proved to be the winner in a breathless contest that saw both teams show a mix of attacking flair and defensive vulnerability.
The first half belonged to Athletic Club, who flew out of the blocks with an intensity that Sevilla struggled to match. The home side's attacking intent was clear, and it paid off just after the half-hour mark when Nico Williams, the undisputed star of the show, was brought down in the box. The young winger calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Orjan Nyland the wrong way.
Williams continued to torment the Sevilla backline, and he was instrumental in doubling Athletic's lead just before halftime. A brilliant burst of pace and a cut-back from the winger led to a scramble in the box, and it was debutant Maroan Sannadi who reacted quickest to fire home from close range. Athletic looked comfortable heading into the break, in full control of the game.
However, the second half saw a completely different narrative unfold. Sevilla came out with renewed purpose, and it wasn't long before they found a way back into the game. Dodi Lukébakio scored a spectacular long-range effort to halve the deficit, and moments later, Lucien Agoumé lashed in a left-footed strike to level the score at 2-2. The visitors were suddenly in the ascendancy and looked poised to complete a famous comeback.
Just as the momentum seemed to be completely in Sevilla's favor, Athletic found a hero in the form of Robert Navarro. Once again, the magic came from Nico Williams, who squared the ball for Navarro to smash home the winner with a composed finish into the top corner. It was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of fans, with the drama continuing until the final whistle.
Player Ratings & Key Performances
In a game with so many goals and momentum swings, a few players truly shined. For Athletic Club, the man of the match was undoubtedly Nico Williams. His performance was nothing short of brilliant. He won and scored the penalty, provided the assist for the second goal, and then set up the winner for Robert Navarro. The fact that he was forced off late with an injury will be a major concern for the team. Alongside him, Robert Navarro had a dream debut, scoring the winning goal and showing great composure in a high-pressure moment.
On the other side, Sevilla's attack was revitalized in the second half. Dodi Lukébakio and Lucien Agoumé were the catalysts for the comeback, both scoring spectacular goals that turned the tide of the match. Their efforts showed a real fighting spirit within the Sevilla squad. However, the defensive side of the game was a major problem for the visitors, who looked disorganized and vulnerable, particularly in the first half.
What This Result Means for Both Teams
For Athletic Club, this is a massive victory. Not only did they get off to a winning start against a difficult opponent, but they also showed a great deal of character to regain the lead after squandering a two-goal advantage. The performances of their attacking players, especially Nico Williams, will fill the team and fans with confidence for the season ahead.
For Sevilla, it will be a frustrating result. Despite a spirited second-half comeback, the defensive frailties and a lack of early organization cost them dearly. While the goals from Lukébakio and Agoumé are promising, new manager Matias Almeyda has a clear area to focus on if his team is to climb the table and avoid another disappointing season.
