Athletic Club Stuns Atletico Madrid with Late Berenguer Strike
Athletic Club's 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid marks a significant turning point for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season. After a disheartening 0-3 loss to Real Madrid just days prior, Athletic Club showcased resilience and tactical discipline, culminating in Álex Berenguer's late goal that secured all three points. This win not only boosts their morale but also highlights their potential to disrupt the status quo in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid's recent form has been a mixed bag, with this defeat following a disappointing 1-3 loss to Barcelona. Despite sitting comfortably in fourth place with 31 points, their performance against Athletic Club raises questions about their ability to maintain momentum. The statistics reveal a concerning trend: Atletico managed only four total shots compared to Athletic's ten, indicating a lack of offensive creativity and effectiveness. This match underscores the need for Diego Simeone to reassess his tactics as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Valencia.
Athletic Club's defensive solidity was evident throughout the match, as they matched Atletico in ball possession at 50% while outpacing them in total shots and expected goals (xG). With an xG of 0.63 compared to Atletico's 0.48, Athletic demonstrated a more effective approach in creating scoring opportunities. The defensive partnership of Aymeric Laporte and Aitor Paredes played a crucial role in stifling Atletico's attack, limiting their chances and forcing them into ineffective long-range efforts.
Nico Williams, who has been a bright spot for Athletic in recent weeks, continued to show promise despite not finding the back of the net. His ability to stretch the defense and create space was pivotal in setting up the eventual winner. The young winger's performance reflects a growing maturity that could be vital for Athletic as they look to build on this victory and climb the table.
Atletico's struggles were compounded by their inability to capitalize on set pieces, where they had the advantage with four corner kicks compared to Athletic's three. The lack of conversion from these opportunities highlights a disconnect between their attacking players and the midfield, particularly with Thiago Almada and Conor Gallagher failing to link effectively with Julián Alvarez and Giuliano Simeone. This disconnect was evident as Atletico managed just one shot on target throughout the match.
The yellow card count also tells a story of frustration for Atletico, who received one compared to Athletic's three. This disparity reflects the mounting pressure on Atletico's players as they struggled to break down Athletic's organized defense. The aggressive approach from Athletic may have been a calculated risk, but it paid off as they maintained composure under pressure.
Looking ahead, Athletic Club will face Celta Vigo next, where they will aim to build on this momentum. The victory against Atletico could serve as a catalyst for a resurgence in form, especially if they can continue to harness the energy from their home crowd at Estadio de San Mamés. Meanwhile, Atletico must regroup quickly before their match against Valencia, where they will need to rediscover their attacking prowess if they hope to remain competitive in the race for Champions League qualification.
This match serves as a reminder that in football, form can shift dramatically from one game to the next. Athletic Club's triumph over Atletico Madrid not only alters the narrative of their season but also sets the stage for an intriguing battle for European spots as the season progresses. The stakes are high, and both teams must adapt quickly if they wish to achieve their respective goals.