Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-1 comeback victory against Osasuna at the Estadio El Sadar on Saturday night, thrilling the crowd of 22,030 spectators. The match, part of La Liga's Round 18, saw both teams exhibit determination, but it was Athletic’s resilience and skillful play, particularly from their star forward Iñaki Williams, which made the difference.
The home team took control early on with a goal from Lucas Torró at the 25th minute. He converted from a set-piece situation, sending his low shot to the bottom-right corner of the net and giving Osasuna the lead. Despite the setback, Athletic reacted swiftly to equalize just six minutes later. Gorka Guruzeta netted the equalizer with a precise header, connecting with Iñaki Williams' cross — his fifth assist of the season, showcasing his pivotal role.
After halftime, Athletic's relentless attacking strategy bore fruit when Álex Berenguer scored the decisive goal at the 74th minute, delighting the away supporters and affirming Athletic's strength. This victory marked their 13th win against Osasuna, underscoring their dominance over the rivals.
Iñaki Williams was particularly influential, playing all 18 La Liga matches this season and demonstrating his versatility and effectiveness within the team's tactical setup. Following the match, he expressed his fatigue but satisfaction with the team's effort, stating, "To win here, you have to suffer so much. I'm exhausted, but it was worth it." Williams' commitment to the club exemplifies why he has become one of its icons.
Under the guidance of coach Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao has soared this season, currently sitting high on the La Liga table. Their performance against Osasuna solidified their fourth position, closely contesting the league's top teams. Following the victory, they are now only three points behind Real Madrid and on the verge of competing for the title.
The team’s success is mirrored by their impressive account of 22 points over the last ten league matches. This includes securing six victories and four draws, indicating remarkable consistency. Many fans are reveling not just in the match results but also the style of play, which has been described as solid defensively and fluid offensively.
Looking forward, Athletic’s ambitions continue to grow. With the Copa del Rey fixture against Logroñés approaching on January 4, 2025, the team is eager to maintain momentum and secure silverware early in the New Year. Williams noted on social media, "Those who settle achieve comfort, but those who go for everything attain greatness," reflecting the collective ambition of the squad.
During the post-match interview, Williams also reflected on his career milestone — making 445 appearances for the club. "It’s surreal. I'm living the dream and I want to enjoy many more nights like tonight," he remarked, emphasizing gratitude to fans, family, and teammates.
Indeed, Athletic's resurgence is palpable. By surpassing their previous seasons' performances and achieving success domestically and internationally, the club is poised for continued growth. Their legacy as one of Spain’s historical football clubs is being rewritten, and with players like Iñaki Williams leading the charge, the sky seems to be the limit.
Athletic Club's victory propels them forward, not just on the current league table but also propelling the team's spirit and ambition. Their mix of youthful enthusiasm and seasoned resilience could well set the stage for more memorable years to come.
