The League
5:30 p.mMarch 22, 2026
Regular season – 29
San Mamés stadium
Referee: Alexandre Muñiz Ruiz, Spain
Athletic Club
Real Betis
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
1.25
Expected Goals (xG)
0.48
Passing by
282 (79%)
Accurate passes
486 (87%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
G
Unai Simon
76′ Unsportsmanlike conduct
17
d
Yuri Berchiche
6.3
14
d
Aymeric Laporte
7.2
d
Daniel Vivian
25′
15
d
Inigo Leku
6.2
16
m
Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta
6.9
30
m
Alexandre Rego
6.9
7
m
Alex Berenguer
6.0
m
Iñaki Williams (C)
25′ 45′
11
F
Gorka Guruzeta
6.3
25
G
Pau Lopez
7.0
16
d
Valentine Gomez
6.6
d
NATHAN
90′ rough
3
d
Diego Llorente
7.2
40
d
Angel Ortiz
6.3
10
m
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli
6.9
21
m
Marc Roca
6.7
14
m
Sofia Amrabat
6.9
7
m
Anthony
6.5
19
F
Cucho Hernandez
6.9
24
F
Aitor Ruibal (C)
6.3
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Athletic Club secured a vital 2-1 win at home to Real Betis with a dominant first-half display.
Athletic Club secured a vital 2-1 win over Real Betis at the San Mamés Stadium. Defender Daniel Vivian and midfielder Oihan Sancet scored the decisive goals. Iñaki Williams provided two key assists in a hard-fought League match.
Going into the match, Athletic Club were 12th in the league, showing better recent form with two wins. For its part, the fifth place, Real Betis, wanted to consolidate its place in the European classification. Betis’ recent form suggested a tougher challenge than their previous run.
The home side started with intent, creating early chances. Their pressure paid off in the 25th minute. Iñaki Williams sent in a well-timed cross from the right side. Daniel Vivian rose higher to guide a powerful header past Betis goalkeeper Pau López.
Athletic pressed for more, looking to extend their lead. They doubled their lead shortly before the break. Williams was again the provider in the 45th minute. His clever pass found Oihan Sancet, who drilled a low shot into the net, sending Athletic into the break with a significant lead.
Real Betis entered the break two goals down, despite having more possession. Manager Manuel Pellegrini faced a big challenge at the break. Tactical adjustments and fresh legs were clearly needed to spark a comeback.
Pellegrini responded with a triple substitution at the restart. Antony, A. Ortiz and M. Roca entered the fight to inject urgency. Betis immediately showed more offensive thrust, controlling the ball more effectively and pushing forward.
Their efforts paid off in the 75th minute. Pablo Fornals pulled one back for Real Betis, striking cleanly from outside the box. The goal has given Betis new hope for the tie.
Moments later, C. Bakambu thought he had equalized with Betis, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside in the 77th minute. This critical decision dashed Betis’ hopes of an immediate comeback. Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simón received a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct amid the tension.
The locals have defended themselves decisively against the increasing pressure of Real Betis in the last few minutes. Changes from both sides saw fresh legs trying to make an impact in the closing stages. Natan received a yellow card for Betis in the 90th minute.
Despite only 39% possession, Athletic Club generated a higher expected goals (xG) of 1.25 compared to Betis’ 0.48. Both teams registered 11 shots in total, but Athletic had 6 on target to Betis’ 3. Pau López made four saves for Betis, keeping his team in the game.
This hard-fought 2-1 win strengthens Athletic Club’s position in the League and moves them further away from the bottom. Real Betis missed the chance to consolidate their European aspirations. They now face increased pressure from the teams below them in the League table.
