Sevilla Triumphs Over Athletic Club With Late Penalty

Saturday afternoon at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium saw Sevilla FC rise to the occasion, clinching a dramatic 2-1 victory over Athletic Club in a LaLiga clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams, hovering in the lower half of the table, entered the match desperate for points to steer clear of the relegation zone. The stakes were high, and neither side disappointed in delivering a fiercely contested encounter broadcast live on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and Fubo TV.

From the outset, the match was a whirlwind of action. Athletic Club, ranked 11th in LaLiga prior to kickoff, looked to assert themselves early. Their efforts paid off when Robert Navarro, one of their top scorers this season with three goals in 17 games, found the net with a right-footed shot from close range, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The goal was a product of determined build-up play, with Yuri Berchiche providing the crucial assist via a well-placed cross. Navarro’s finish was clinical, and the traveling fans erupted in celebration.

Sevilla, sitting 14th in the standings and coming off a string of tough results—including a 3-0 loss to Levante and a 1-0 defeat to Celta de Vigo—refused to be rattled. The home side responded with renewed urgency, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off just before halftime, when Peque Fernández, showing composure beyond his years, converted a cross from Juanlu Sánchez with a deft right-footed shot to the bottom left corner. The stadium roared as the teams went into the break knotted at 1-1, setting the stage for a nail-biting second half.

The match statistics hinted at just how evenly matched these teams were. Sevilla entered the game averaging 1.3 goals per match (8th in LaLiga) and conceding 1.6 (16th), while Athletic Club managed 1.0 goals scored (14th) and allowed 1.4 (12th). Both sides were known for their shot creation—Sevilla with 10.6 shots per game and Athletic Club with 11.6—but also for their defensive vulnerabilities. The pressure was on for both managers to find the right tactical adjustments.

As the second half unfolded, the tension mounted. The match featured a flurry of fouls, substitutions, and yellow cards, with Joan Jordán and Nemanja Gudelj of Sevilla both cautioned for hard challenges. The midfield battle was intense, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for control. Athletic Club’s Alex Berenguer, their leading playmaker with 21 chances created this season, orchestrated several promising attacks, but Sevilla’s defense, marshaled by Odysseas Vlachodimos in goal, held firm.

The decisive moment came late in the match, following a series of frantic exchanges in both penalty areas. Sevilla’s Akor Adams, the team’s leading scorer with five goals in 15 games, found himself at the center of the action. A VAR review confirmed a handball by Athletic Club’s Yuri Berchiche inside the area, and the referee pointed to the spot. The stadium fell silent as Adams stepped up, then erupted as he coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner past Unai Simón. The goal put Sevilla ahead 2-1, sending their supporters into jubilation.

The closing minutes were a test of nerves for both sides. Athletic Club pressed forward in search of an equalizer, with Asier Hierro and Nico Serrano both coming close. Berenguer’s efforts from the left side and Oihan Sancet’s long-range shots kept the pressure on Sevilla’s back line. Yet, Vlachodimos stood tall, making crucial saves to preserve the lead. The fourth official announced six minutes of added time, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.

Sevilla’s substitutions proved timely and effective. Joan Jordán replaced Peque Fernández to shore up the midfield, while Chidera Ejuke and Manu Bueno added fresh legs. Athletic Club responded with a flurry of changes, introducing Nico Serrano, Mikel Vesga, Asier Hierro, Unai Gómez, and Nico Williams in a bid to unlock Sevilla’s defense. Despite their efforts, the visitors couldn’t find a way through.

Both teams’ recent form had been patchy. Sevilla’s draw with Elche on January 19 and previous losses to Levante and Celta de Vigo had left them searching for momentum. Athletic Club, meanwhile, had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Espanyol, a 1-1 draw with Osasuna, and a narrow 3-2 loss to Mallorca in their last three outings. The win for Sevilla not only provided a much-needed boost in morale but also tightened the mid-table battle in LaLiga.

Key players stepped up when it mattered most. Akor Adams’ match-winning penalty underscored his importance to Sevilla’s attack, while Peque Fernández’s equalizer showcased the depth of talent in the squad. For Athletic Club, Robert Navarro’s early goal highlighted his knack for finding space in the box, and Berenguer’s creativity kept Sevilla’s defense honest throughout. Goalkeepers Vlachodimos and Simón both made important stops, ensuring the scoreline remained tight until the final whistle.

The match was not without its physicality. A slew of fouls and bookings reflected the high stakes, with both teams unwilling to give an inch. The referee’s whistle was a constant presence, and tempers occasionally flared as the minutes ticked away. Yet, the contest remained largely respectful, with players on both sides showing determination and sportsmanship.

Looking ahead, Sevilla will aim to build on this victory as they prepare to face Mallorca away on February 2, followed by home fixtures against Girona FC and Deportivo Alaves. Athletic Club, still searching for consistency, will return home to take on Real Sociedad and Levante in their upcoming matches. Both teams know that every point counts as the battle for LaLiga survival and mid-table respectability intensifies.

In the end, it was Sevilla’s composure under pressure and clinical finishing that made the difference. The 2-1 win over Athletic Club not only lifts spirits at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan but also injects new life into their campaign. As the LaLiga season rolls on, fans can expect more twists and turns—with matches like this serving as a reminder of just how thrilling Spanish football can be.