Athletic Club beat Atletico de Madrid 3-0 with quick second-half goals at San Mames

Scoreless opening half at San Mames

Athletic Club hosted Atletico de Madrid at San Mames on Saturday in front of 48,425 spectators. Edin Terzic's side opened the match with a high tempo, relying on rapid transitions and vertical movement down the flanks. Inaki Williams tested the visiting defense with an early run into the penalty area, while Oihan Sancet sent a shot into the side netting. Atletico responded through patient possession instructed by Diego Simeone, with Alejandro Grimaldo firing a deflected strike from distance. The visitors created the clearer chances as Kang-In Lee hit the post, and Alejandro Baena forced two saves from Unai Simon, including an ambitious attempt from the halfway line. Morten Hjulmand anchored the midfield as Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone pushed forward, but Pablo Barrios struck the post shortly before half-time, following a 39th-minute yellow card for Kang-In Lee.

Rapid double strike after the break

The dynamic of the contest altered immediately following the interval as Athletic scored twice in three minutes. Athletic defender Yeray Alvarez was replaced by Aitor Paredes at the start of the second half before Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 46th minute. The winger converted after an initial attempt by his brother Inaki Williams, despite Atletico protests claiming the ball had crossed the sideline during the buildup. In the 48th minute, Robert Navarro doubled the advantage after receiving a pass from Inaki Williams. Referee Jose Munuera paused play for a VAR review overseen by video assistants Juan Luis Pulido and Javier Iglesias, ultimately confirming the valid goal in the 48th minute.

Tactical adjustments and missed opportunities

Confronting a two-goal deficit, Simeone executed four substitutions within two minutes to reshape Atletico's attacking line. Arnau Ortiz replaced Ademola Lookman in the 58th minute, followed immediately by Cristian Romero, Koke, and Julian Alvarez entering for Giuliano Simeone, Morten Hjulmand, and Kang-In Lee in the 59th minute. Terzic countered by introducing Mikel Jauregizar for Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta on 60 minutes, followed by Johaneko Louisjean and Alex Berenguer replacing Navarro and Inaki Williams in the 66th minute. Atletico controlled 62% of total possession and generated more attempts, but their offense remained disjointed. Julian Alvarez produced Atletico's most dangerous second-half effort, which Unai Simon turned away.

Sancet seals victory in the final minutes

Athletic maintained defensive discipline through the final quarter of the match as both coaches made their final rotations. Nico Williams made way for Gorka Guruzeta in the 76th minute, while Johnny Cardoso replaced Baena for Atletico. The visiting side could not break through Simon's goal, leaving space for Athletic to counter in the closing moments. Sancet secured the final 3-0 margin by scoring in the 90th minute (recorded as the 89th minute in some match reports). The victory raised Athletic to 9 points in the league table, drawing level with Atletico de Madrid, with both clubs remaining outside the European qualification positions and the relegation zone.