In a tightly contested match, Sevilla managed to overturn an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao. The match, held on January 21, 2023, saw Athletic take the lead in the 40th minute when Robert Navarro executed a brilliant individual play, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner, proving impossible for the goalkeeper.
However, Sevilla struck back just before halftime with a goal from Peque Fernández, converting a penalty in the 42nd minute. Akor Adams then scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, marking a remarkable comeback for the home side.
Akor Adams stood out for Sevilla, finding the net once, taking three shots, and successfully completing six key passes. Similarly, Robert Navarro was instrumental for Athletic Bilbao, as he not only netted the first goal but also completed 35 passes and won back possession four times.
Sevilla’s coach, Matías Almeyda, opted for a 5-3-2 formation, featuring Odysseas Vlachodimos in goal; a defense composed of Juanlu Sánchez, José Ángel Carmona, Nemanja Gudelj, Kike Salas, and Gabriel Suazo; while Djibril Sow, Lucien Agoumé, and Peque Fernández strengthened the midfield; and Akor Adams with Isaac Romero led the attack.
Athletic Bilbao, under coach Ernesto Valverde, lined up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Unai Simón guarding the posts; a defensive line of Jesús Areso, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche; while Iñigo Ruiz, Mikel Jauregizar, Robert Navarro, Oihan Sancet, and Álex Berenguer formed the midfield trio, and Urko Izeta spearheaded the front line.
The match was officiated by Francisco Hernández Maeso, who managed the game’s flow.
Looking ahead, Sevilla will face Mallorca away in their next match, while Athletic will host Real Sociedad, marking yet another chapter in the fierce Basque derby.
Currently, Sevilla holds the 11th position in the league with 24 points, just ahead of Athletic Bilbao, who are 12th, also with 24 points.
Substitutions for Sevilla:
45’ 2H – Djibril Sow out for Andrés Castrín 57’ 2H – Gabriel Suazo out for Oso; Robert Navarro out for Nico Williams; Urko Izeta out for Asier Hierro; Iñigo Ruiz out for Unai Gómez 80’ 2H – Peque Fernández out for Joan Jordán; Isaac Romero out for Chidera Ejuke
Yellow Cards for Sevilla:
16’ 2H – Nemanja Gudelj (Unsporting behavior); 40’ 2H – Joan Jordán (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Athletic Bilbao:
71’ 2H – Mikel Jauregizar out for Mikel Vesga; Nemanja Gudelj out for Manuel Bueno 76’ 2H – Oihan Sancet out for Nicolás Serrano
Yellow Cards for Athletic Bilbao:
21’ 1H – Iñigo Ruiz (Unsporting behavior)