Athletic Club extended their unbeaten run in LaLiga to 16 consecutive games, the longest such streak in the division, following a dominant 7-1 victory over bottom-placed Real Valladolid. This impressive win saw them close the gap to just six points from the top of the table, keeping their slim hopes of a first league title in 41 years alive. The visit of relegation-threatened Valladolid provided a perfect opportunity for Athletic to strengthen their bid, and they seized it with both hands.
Forward Oihan Sancet, who has been in the form of his life, sent an early warning to the visitors, firing a shot over the bar in the opening minutes. It took only 11 minutes for Athletic to open the scoring as Nico Williams cleverly weaved his way into the box and laid the ball off for Mikel Jauregizar, who calmly slotted home into the bottom right corner.
Jauregizar could have doubled his tally before the 20-minute mark, but his powerful strike was denied by a superb save from Valladolid’s goalkeeper Karl Hein. Athletic fans were momentarily concerned when Mamadou Sylla’s effort was ruled out for offside as Valladolid sought a way back into the game, but their worries were short-lived. The Lions soon made it 2-0, with Williams showcasing his dribbling skills to glide past multiple defenders before calmly placing the ball past Hein into the net.
San Mames was buzzing with excitement, and the first-half demolition was completed with two quick goals. Winter signing Maroan Sannadi managed to beat his man to connect with Yuri Berchiche’s cross, while Sancet added his name to the scoresheet with a clinical volley, his sixth goal in just four league games.
Valladolid showed signs of life after the break, with Sylla finally managing to break through. He muscled off two defenders before sliding the ball past Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon, bringing the score to 4-1. However, this goal proved to be nothing more than a mere consolation. Soon after, Valladolid’s Stanko Juric was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Sancet, which allowed Athletic to regain control.
Williams then added his second goal of the game, dribbling past a defender before curling a stunning effort into the top corner. Gorka Guruzeta got in on the act, tapping in a cross from Inaki Williams to make it 6-1, and I. Williams rounded off the afternoon in style, scoring with a composed finish to complete a memorable 7-1 victory.
For Valladolid, it was a tough afternoon, especially for new manager Alvaro Rubio, who will need to regroup quickly and find a way to lift his team from the bottom of the LaLiga standings.
