Athletic Bilbao thrashed Atletico Madrid 3-0 in La Liga on Saturday, handing Diego Simeone’s side a first defeat of the season.
Nico Williams, Robert Navarro and Oihan Sancet were on target as Athletic sealed a convincing victory at San Mamés and made it back-to-back wins under former Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic, following defeats in their opening two matches.
Atletico had the better of the first half but failed to make their pressure count, and Athletic struck twice in quick succession immediately after the break to take control.
“Their two goals, in the blink of an eye, did us a lot of damage,” Atletico midfielder Pablo Barrios told Movistar.
The defeat leaves Simeone’s side needing a quick response, with Atletico travelling to Anfield on Wednesday to face Liverpool in the Champions League.
“We had two minutes of inattention and poor decision-making in situations we should have handled better,” said Simeone. “Bilbao capitalised on that lapse.”
Atletico created the first clear chance when Lee Kang-In hit the post in the third minute after the visitors carved open the Athletic defence.
Unai Simon then saved from Alex Baena, while Sancet fired into the side netting at the other end.
Barrios struck the post before the interval as Atletico continued to threaten, but Athletic stunned the visitors immediately after the restart.
The Williams brothers combined for the opener in the 46th minute. Inaki Williams’ effort took a deflection before his younger brother Nico reacted quickest to head the ball home.
Two minutes later, Athletic doubled their advantage. Inaki Williams turned provider, slipping the ball to Navarro, who calmly steered his finish past Simon.
“We were good in the first half, but the game got away from us in those couple of minutes,” said Simeone.
“We lacked in the second half everything that we had in the first.”
Simeone responded by making a series of changes, including introducing Julian Alvarez, who returned from illness as a substitute after reportedly trying to leave Atletico for Barcelona during the summer.
The Argentina international struggled to influence the game, managing just one effort from the edge of the box, which Simon saved comfortably.
Sancet completed the rout in the 90th minute, calmly stroking home a loose ball after a blocked cross fell into his path.
“It’s always good to win games, especially at home,” said Terzic.
“Today we are happy, and we are going to be very satisfied when we go to bed tonight. From tomorrow onwards, we’ll prepare everything to go for the next game.
“We have six points from the last two games, but this won’t help us to reach all our targets by the end of the season.”
On Sunday, La Liga leaders Barcelona visit Valencia looking to extend their advantage over Real Madrid, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Friday.
AFP
