Athletic Club 3–2 Sevilla: Nico Williams dazzles as hosts edge five-goal thriller at San Mamés | OneFootball

Athletic Club secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sevilla in a breathless contest at San Mamés, with Nico Williams playing a starring role.

The winger opened the scoring from the penalty spot and added a superb assist before being forced off late with an injury, as the hosts edged a topsy-turvy clash.

Lucien Agoumé and Dodi Lukébakio had dragged Sevilla back into the game after Athletic’s early dominance. Still, Robert Navarro’s composed late finish proved decisive, capping a night of attacking intensity and defensive vulnerability on both sides.

As it happened

Athletic Club flew out of the blocks and controlled the opening exchanges, earning a string of early corners. Their attacking intent paid off just after the half-hour mark when Nico Williams was brought down in the box by Juanlu Sánchez, and the 21-year-old calmly dispatched the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.

Williams continued to torment the Sevilla backline and played a vital part in doubling the lead shortly before half-time. He burst into the box, cut the ball back into a dangerous area, and after some pinball, it was Maroan Sannadi who reacted quickest to fire home from close range.

Sevilla looked shellshocked heading into the break, but came out with renewed intent. Their first goal came in spectacular fashion as Lukébakio rifled a low shot into the bottom corner from distance to halve the deficit. Moments later, Akor Adams laid off a neat pass for Agoumé, who lashed in a left-footed strike from outside the box to make it 2-2.

The visitors were suddenly in control, and both Adams and Chidera Ejuke missed chances to put Sevilla ahead. Just as the tide seemed to be turning completely, Williams popped up again – this time squaring for Robert Navarro to slam home the winner with a composed finish into the top corner.

The drama didn’t end there, with both sides pushing for more in a frantic final few minutes. Yuri Berchiche and Williams were both forced off through injury, while substitute Isaac Romero saw a stoppage-time effort blocked as Sevilla searched desperately for an equaliser. Ultimately, it was Athletic who held on.

The lineups:

ATH: Simon; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; de Galarreta, Jauregizar; Berenguer, Sannadi, Nico Williams; Iñaki Williams