Sevilla Secures Vital Win Against Athletic Bilbao

Sevilla entered Matchday 21 of LaLiga EA Sports just two points above the relegation zone, watching as several of their rivals in the lower table secured victories. After earning a valuable point against Elche, the team was motivated to step up and overcome Athletic Bilbao, who were dealing with various injuries and rotations, likely prioritizing their upcoming European fixture. Before kickoff, the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán stadium honored the memory of Fernando Huerta, a member who tragically lost his life in the recent Rodalies accident. The best tribute would be to dedicate a win to him, his family, and friends.

Coach Matías Almeyda opted to reintegrate Suazo into the starting lineup in place of Oso. Additionally, with Mendy suspended, he paired Akor Adams and Isaac Romero in midfield for the first time, positioning Peque as the attacking link. The Nigerian played as a focal point, allowing the Lebrijano to express himself more freely, resulting in a more dynamic and convincing performance.

Sevilla took to the field with increased intensity, engaging in a fast-paced match and frequently threatening the opponent’s goal. From the outset, Peque was instrumental, receiving passes in between lines, contributing to play construction, and pressing vigorously upon losing possession. The wing-backs also made significant contributions, particularly Suazo, who was active in delivering numerous crosses. Akor, displaying confidence, facilitated attacking plays, took risks with his passes, and demonstrated that he was in his best form since joining the team.

In a set-piece situation executed by Suazo and flicked on by Kike Salas, Gudelj inadvertently caused an own goal by Paredes, but the referee disallowed it for dangerous play. Sevilla made some errors in ball distribution, which, although reduced, still exposed them to counterattacks that allowed Athletic to take the lead. However, the team quickly responded: Peque intercepted the ball in midfield, Juanlu drove forward and assisted, and Peque found himself in the box to score the equalizer, marking his second goal and the second assist from the academy player.

After halftime, Sow was substituted for Castrín, with Gudelj moving to midfield. Athletic began the second half pressing higher, while Sevilla sought to exploit gaps behind the Bilbao defense. As the minutes passed, the game shifted toward Unai Simón’s goal. Suazo emerged as a key player once again; his cross struck Yuri’s outstretched arm, resulting in a penalty. Akor successfully converted, achieving two goals in three matches since his return and directly influencing the team’s improvement.

From that point onward, Sevilla exhibited one of their best collective performances of the season, characterized by commitment, solidarity, and collective effort, particularly from Carmona, Kike Salas, and Agoumé, who excelled in defense. Almeyda refreshed the squad with substitutions, including Oso, Manu Bueno, Jordán, and Ejuke, concluding the match with seven players from the youth team, a moment symbolized by Juanlu donning the captain’s armband for the first time.

In the final minutes, Sevilla had to defend resolutely, securing their area with determination. “There are many positives, things we’ve corrected, and areas for improvement, especially in the last five minutes of the first half. But we are competing well, and it’s crucial to secure these three points for various reasons,” Almeyda stated in the post-match press conference regarding his team’s ability to clinch the win (2-1).

This marked Sevilla’s first victory of 2026 and their first comeback of the season, drawing level on points with Athletic in an extremely tight league standings. The collective embrace at the end of the match encapsulated Almeyda’s recurring message: commitment and unity, balanced with the composure required to compete effectively.