The Benito Villamarín Stadium was the battleground for an intense clash on matchday 3, where Athletic Bilbao emerged victorious against Betis with a scoreline of 2-1. Cédric Bakambu netted the equalizer for the home side at the 51st minute, but it wasn’t enough as Athletic’s goals from Aitor Paredes in the 39th minute and an own goal by Marc Bartra in the 14th minute sealed the deal for the visitors.
Iñaki Williams was undoubtedly the standout player of the match. The Athletic Bilbao midfielder completed 15 accurate passes, intercepted 4 balls, and took 5 shots on goal, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Aitor Paredes also had a noteworthy performance, excelling defensively while chipping in with a crucial goal.
Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, adopted a 4-5-1 formation with Álvaro Valles as goalkeeper; Ángel Ortiz, Marc Bartra, Natan, and Júnior Firpo forming the backline; a midfield comprising Sergi Altimira, Pablo Fornals, Pablo Garcia, Giovani Lo Celso, and Rodrigo Riquelme; and Juan Hernández leading the attack.
On the other hand, Ernesto Valverde’s Athletic Bilbao lined up in the same 4-5-1 formation, featuring Unai Simón in goal, a defense of Jesús Areso, Dani Vivian, Aitor Paredes, and Yuri Berchiche, a midfield that included Mikel Jauregizar, Beñat Prados, Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Nico Williams, with Álex Berenguer as the striker.
The match was officiated by referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos.
Looking ahead, Betis will face Levante in their next match away from home, while Athletic Bilbao will host Alavés.
After this match, the home team, Betis, sits with 5 points in seventh place, while the visitors, Athletic Bilbao, move to 9 points and secure the second position in the league.
Substitutions for Betis
72’ 2T – Rodrigo Riquelme replaced by Cédric Bakambu; Pablo Garcia substituted for Nelson Deossa.
87’ 2T – Ángel Ortiz replaced by Héctor Bellerín; Giovani Lo Celso substituted for Chimy Ávila.
Substitutions for Athletic Bilbao
61’ 2T – Beñat Prados replaced by Mikel Vesga;
75’ 2T – Jesús Areso replaced by Andoni Gorosabel; Iñaki Williams replaced by Maroan Sannadi.
84’ 2T – Oihan Sancet substituted for Unai Gómez; Nico Williams replaced by Robert Navarro.
Cautions for Athletic Bilbao:
45’ 1T – Beñat Prados (Unsporting behavior); 26’ 2T – Dani Vivian (Unsporting behavior); 52’ 2T – Maroan Sannadi (Unsporting behavior).