In a thrilling encounter at San Mames, Villarreal triumphed over Athletic Club with a score of 2-1, marking a significant achievement as this is Villarreal’s first league double over Athletic Club since the 2010/11 season.
The match saw Sergi Cardona net his first goal since August 2024, while Alfon Gonzalez also celebrated his first goal since joining on loan from Sevilla in January. Gorka Guruzeta contributed to the scoreline with his 14th goal of the season across all competitions.
Villarreal’s victory was particularly noteworthy as they have not lost after opening the scoring in LaLiga this season, boasting an impressive record of 16 wins and 3 draws in such situations. Conversely, Athletic Club continues to struggle defensively, now without a clean sheet in 15 consecutive games.
Currently, Villarreal sits in third place in LaLiga, and this win is crucial as they aim to solidify their position in the top tier of Spanish football. However, it was only Villarreal’s second win in their last eight away games in LaLiga, with two draws and four losses marking their recent form.
In a dramatic moment, Nicolas Pepe had a late strike ruled out by VAR for offside, which could have changed the dynamics of the match. The Flashscore Man of the Match was awarded to Sergi Cardona for his impactful performance.
Athletic Club’s defeat means they missed the opportunity to narrow the gap to seventh place by four points, adding pressure as they look to improve their standings in the league.
This match not only highlights Villarreal’s resurgence but also raises questions about Athletic Club’s defensive capabilities as they continue to seek solutions to their ongoing struggles.