Athletic Bilbao produced a commanding second-half display to beat Atlético Madrid 3-0 at San Mamés on Saturday, handing Diego Simeone’s side their first defeat of the La Liga season.
Nico Williams, Robert Navarro and Oihan Sancet were on target as Athletic secured back-to-back victories under new coach Edin Terzić after losing their opening two league matches.
Atlético started brightly and created the better chances in the opening period, but they were unable to turn their pressure into goals. Lee Kang-In struck the post as early as the third minute, while Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón also saved an effort from Alex Baena.
Pablo Barrios later hit the post for the visitors before the interval, while Oihan Sancet came close for Athletic with a shot that flashed into the side-netting.
But the game changed dramatically after the break.
Just a minute into the second half, the Williams brothers combined to give Athletic the lead. Iñaki Williams’ deflected effort fell to his younger brother Nico, who finished from close range.
Athletic doubled their advantage only two minutes later. Iñaki Williams again played a key role, setting up Robert Navarro, who calmly steered the ball home to make it 2-0.
Simeone responded by making several substitutions, including bringing on striker Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward, who had reportedly sought a move to Barcelona during the summer, struggled to make an impact after returning from illness.
Atlético offered little threat as Athletic controlled the remainder of the match, with Sancet completing the rout in the 90th minute. He calmly converted after a blocked cross fell into his path.
“Their two goals, in the blink of an eye, did us a lot of damage,” Atlético midfielder Pablo Barrios told Movistar after the match.
The victory gives Athletic renewed momentum following their difficult start to the campaign, while Atlético will have to regroup after a disappointing performance that saw them surrender a promising first-half display in the space of just three minutes.
Meanwhile, La Liga leaders Barcelona are set to visit Valencia on Sunday, while Real Madrid will look to recover from their 1-0 defeat at Real Betis.
