Bilbao (Spain) (AFP) – Athletic Bilbao secured a convincing 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday in La Liga to close the gap on the top four.
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Ernesto Valverde’s side, fifth, moved within two points of champions Barcelona, fourth, who visit Valencia later, and third-placed Atletico.
Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams scored second-half goals to deservedly secure the points for the feisty Basques who dominated in jubilant San Mames.
Atlético have lost four games in La Liga this season, each away from home, while winning all eight matches played at the Metropolitano.
“I think we played badly,” Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak told Movistar.
“We can’t play like that, one way at home, one way away, you can’t win titles like that, you can’t win leagues… Bilbao were much better than us.”
Athletic dismissed Diego Simeone’s visitors in the first half, testing Oblak on several occasions.
The Slovenian pulled off an excellent low save at his near post to deny Guruzeta early on, and another to block Nico Williams’ effort after he broke down the left.
Oblak had his goal saved on two occasions, with brothers Inaki and Nico Williams hitting the woodwork.
Athletic’s best chance of the first half came from the penalty spot, but Oihan Sancet smashed high and wide after Caglar Soyuncu fell on Nico Williams.
Athletic quickly got the breakthrough they deserved at the start of the second half, with Ander Herrera crossing at the back post where Guruzeta was unmarked to finish with ease.
Inaki Williams, making his 400th appearance for Athletic, was instrumental in the build-up and continued his own good form despite not finding the back of the net.
Nico Williams added a stunning second when he made space on the right side of the area and bent a shot over Oblak into the far top corner with his weaker left foot.
Athletic’s second goal gave Atletico a boost, with Samuel Lino and Marcos Llorente threatening, but they could not drag the visitors back into the match.
“The fans give me everything and I want to keep giving them joy,” Nico Williams told Movistar.
“We are an ambitious team, we have to keep working and this is the way… We took a step forward from last season and we have to make our pitch a fortress.”
The win was the perfect way for Athletic to finish off their 125th anniversary celebrations.
Basque golfer Jon Rahm took a ceremonial start before the match and showed fans his green jacket, which he won at the 2023 Augusta Masters, while a statue of club legend Jose Angel Iribar was unveiled outside the grounds.
Xavi Hernandez’s struggling Barcelona could leapfrog Atletico if they don’t lose to Valencia at the Mestalla.
Leaders Girona host Alaves on Monday, while second-placed Real Madrid host Villarreal on Sunday.
© 2023 AFP