Greg . 1 day ago

Athletic Club survive Sevilla comeback to win five-goal thriller

Athletic Club ultimately squeezed past Sevilla 3-2, having squandered a two-goal lead, meaning they are now unbeaten in five consecutive H2H (W4, D1).

It was the hosts who made the brighter start, although the visitors did register the first shot on target of the contest, with Unai Simón standing tall to deny Akor Adams.

Simon was then almost stung on 20 minutes as Dodi Lukebakio sprinted down the left, and with the home goalkeeper moving off his line to anticipate the cross, the Sevilla winger’s ball in took a wicked deflection off Mikel Jauregizar and hit the woodwork before dropping into Simón’s grateful gloves.

 On 34 minutes, however, Athletic did have a opportunity to take the lead as Alex Berenguer’s incisive ball released Nico Williams, who was caught in the penalty area by the recovering Juanlu, allowing the fouled attacker to step up and send Orjan Nyland the wrong way from the spot.

Fresh off his new contract that committed his future to Athletic, Nico Williams played a key role in his side doubling their advantage shortly after, producing a bewitching turn before his deflected cross found Maroan Sannadi to tuck home from close range.

 Athletic Club - Sevilla match statsOpta by StatsPerformNico Williams came within a whisker of making it three just after the break, striking Nyland’s left-hand post, before Simón was powerless to stop Lukébakio’s stunning 25-yard curler at the other end, with the shot cannoning in off his right-hand post.

Soon after, Adams tested Simón twice in quick succession as the visitors went agonisingly nearing an equaliser.

Carmona stung the Spain international's palms before Los Nervionenses drew level.

Adnan Januzaj was immediately fouled after coming on, and the resulting quick free-kick eventually led to Juanlu’s making its way to Lucien Agoume, who swept the ball home with aplomb.

Athletic ultimately had the last laugh, though, as talisman Nico Williams' clipped cross was converted somewhat scruffily by substitute and debutant Robert Navarro.

 Sevilla haven’t won their opening match in their last four La Liga seasons, but new head coach Matías Almeyda will certainly have been encouraged by the heart that his side showed.

The abiding emotion for Athletic and Ernesto Valverde, meanwhile, will be relief mixed with satisfaction.

Betopick Man of the Match: Nico Williams (Athletic Club)Click here for player ratings and more