La Liga: Athletic Bilbao edge Betis 2-1 on Matchday 3 | OneFootball

Athletic Bilbao defeated Betis 2-1 in a match corresponding to Matchday 3 of La Liga.

After this resounding victory, “The Lions” of Bilbao secured second place in the standings, with 9 points. They are one step below Real Madrid, who have the same number of points.

The two goals for the team led by head coach Ernesto Valverde were scored by central defenders Marc Bartra (own goal) and Aitor Paredes. Meanwhile, the only goal for the team managed by coach Manuel Pellegrini was scored by Cédric Bakambu.

During the first half of the match, the red-and-white team made a significant effort offensively, but inaccuracies in finishing were reflected in the halftime score.

In the second half, Valverde’s team returned to the field with a different attitude that impacted the final result.

In the 15th minute, Athletic opened the scoring at La Cartuja stadium. Betis’ central defender, Marc Bartra, tried to clear a cross into the box but sent the ball into his own net.

At the 40th minute, the Bilbao side extended their lead and sealed their victory. Right winger Robert Navarro (who had just come on) delivered a precise cross that ended with a header from Aitor Paredes.

In the final moments, in the 45+7th minute, Betis scored their only goal of the match but could not turn things around. Congolese striker Cédric Bakambu took advantage of a precise cross from Junior Firpo and sent the ball into the back of the net.

Barcelona F.C. drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano and dropped to fourth place in the standings.

During the first 45 minutes of the match, the team led by German head coach Hansi Flick deployed an offensive strategy that created several clear goal-scoring opportunities.

In the 40th minute, the “Culé” side opened the scoring. The team’s young star, Lamine Yamal, took a precise shot from the penalty spot and made it 1-0 on the scoreboard.

In the second half, Barcelona returned to the pitch confident, only to receive a surprising blow.

In the 67th minute, Rayo leveled the match. Right winger Fran Pérez Martínez took advantage of a lapse in Barcelona’s defense and fired a powerful shot inside the six-yard box.

Elsewhere, Celta de Vigo drew 1-1 with Villarreal and RCD Espanyol defeated Osasuna 1-0.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.