Valverde’s squad rallies from a two-goal deficit to seize a dramatic victory.
Athletic Club delivered a stunning performance against Real Betis this Sunday in a game that will be remembered for its twists and late drama. They trailed by two goals inside the opening ten minutes but stormed back to win 4-2. This piece provides a minute-by-minute breakdown, including the key goals, controversial moments, and defining actions that shaped the match.
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Fans gave a standing ovation to Borja Iglesias in San Mamés after he publicly supported Jenni Hermoso and announced he would pause his involvement with the Spanish national team until governance at the RFEF changes, a moment that sparked heated discussion among supporters.
— GOAL Spain (GoalEspana)
The second half presented a stark contrast to the opening 45 minutes: chances were scarce, the pace slowed, and both defenses looked compact. The substitutions from both coaches did not erase a stubborn tension in the stadium, and Athletic carried themselves with conviction, showing how they could control the tempo and seize initiative in a high-stakes environment. This was a match that truly tested the character of both sides within La Catedral.
82′ GOAL: UNAI GÓMEZ! Athletic capitalizes on a rapid transition and, after just three passes, clinches their first win of the season at San Mamés.
Betis needed to bounce back in the second half after seeing Athletic flip the script, with penalties contributing to the turnaround. The remaining 45 minutes promised further drama as San Mamés intensified its support and the match evolved into a tactical battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
There is a lot to summarize from the opening half in San Mamés, but the essence is clear: the game unfolded in two distinct phases. It began with Betis taking the initiative early, with Willian José and Isco delivering early blows. Betis showed fewer restraints as Athletic responded and began to level the scoreline. A crossbar hit by Vivian, a post from Muniain, and a disallowed goal for offside by Iñaki Williams set the stage for a tense finish. Two penalties awarded to Nico Williams, converted by Vesga, brought the score to parity. The first was a restart after a light touch from Rui Silva that sparked debate, and the second was a deliberate handball by Guido Rodríguez. VAR checks added drama as the officials consulted monitors. With extra time looming, Athletic lifted the atmosphere in San Mamés and completed the comeback with Guruzeta’s goal.
45′ + 7′ ATHLETIC COMEBACK! INCREDIBLE NIGHT IN BILBAO! GURUZETA SCORES! Vesga drives into the box, a mis clearance from Pezzella opens space, Williams delivers a low pass to the penalty spot, and Guruzeta finishes to put Athletic ahead 3-2.
44′ GOAL BY VESGA! Athletic takes the lead on a sensational penalty sequence, ensuring a 2-2 draw while the stadium roars with approval. What a spectacle in Bilbao.
42′ 39′ The crowd asks for another penalty after Nico Williams is knocked down by a punch from Guido, but the referee signals nothing initially. A monitor check follows as the incident is reviewed again.
33′ TO THE STICK MUNIÁN! A golden chance for Athletic as a clever combination feeds Muniain in the attacking zone, but his strike clips the post, keeping the scoreline tight.
30′ GOAL OF VESGA! Athletic breaks the deadlock with a precise finish from the spot, fooling Rui Silva and tucking the ball inside the post.
25′ PENALTY ON NICO WILLIAMS! A neat link between the Williams brothers sees Nico brought down by Rui Silva. The VAR checks confirm the penalty, and Soto Grado signals from the center. The home fans erupt as Vesga steps up and converts, leveling the match and heightening the tension in the arena.
9′ ISCO TARGET! The Betis midfielder doubles the visitors’ advantage after a sharp sequence involving Guido and Ruibal, finishing confidently past the goalkeeper.
3′ WILLIAN JOSE GOAL! Betis seize the early initiative with a fast build-up that culminates in Willian José scoring, igniting the visitors’ dominance in the early exchanges.
XI OF ATHLETIC
BETIS XI
Minute by Minute of Athletic vs. Betis from La Liga 2023-2024
Source: Goal