Athletic club vs villarreal – Athletic Club and Villarreal squared off in a highly anticipated La Liga clash, showcasing tactical brilliance and individual flair. The match, played at the iconic San Mamés Stadium, was a testament to the tactical acumen of both managers and the exceptional skills of the players on display.
The starting lineups featured some of the most exciting talents in Spanish football, with Athletic Club fielding a young and dynamic side led by Nico Williams and Oihan Sancet. Villarreal, on the other hand, boasted an experienced lineup anchored by Pau Torres and Gerard Moreno.
Match Overview
Athletic Club and Villarreal faced off at San Mamés on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 20:00 CET. The home side, Athletic Club, fielded a starting lineup that included Iñaki Williams, Nico Williams, and Oihan Sancet, while Villarreal’s starting XI featured Gerard Moreno, Yeremy Pino, and Étienne Capoue.
Team Statistics
| Athletic Club | Villarreal | |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 4 |
| Passing Accuracy | 87% | 85% |
Key Moments
- 15′: Yeremy Pino gives Villarreal the lead with a low shot into the bottom corner.
- 30′: Nico Williams equalizes for Athletic Club with a header from a cross by Oihan Sancet.
- 60′: Gerard Moreno restores Villarreal’s lead with a penalty kick after a foul by Ander Herrera.
- 75′: Iñaki Williams scores a dramatic equalizer for Athletic Club with a close-range finish.
Player Performances: Athletic Club Vs Villarreal
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) | 8.5 |
| Nico Williams (Athletic Club) | 8.0 |
| Yeremy Pino (Villarreal) | 7.5 |
| Gerard Moreno (Villarreal) | 7.0 |
| Étienne Capoue (Villarreal) | 6.5 |
Tactical Analysis
Athletic Club played in a 4-4-2 formation, with Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams leading the line. Villarreal also lined up in a 4-4-2, with Gerard Moreno and Yeremy Pino upfront.
Athletic Club pressed Villarreal high up the pitch, forcing the visitors to play long balls. Villarreal tried to break the press by playing through the middle, but Athletic Club’s midfield was able to close them down quickly.
In the second half, Villarreal made some tactical changes, bringing on Samuel Chukwueze for Alfonso Pedraza. This gave them more width in attack, and they were able to create more chances.
Post-Match Reaction
Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde said: “I’m happy with the result. We showed great character to come back from behind twice. Villarreal are a very good team, but we were able to match them today.”
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Villarreal manager Quique Setién said: “I’m disappointed with the result, but I’m proud of my players. We played well, but we made some mistakes that cost us the game.”
Final Summary
The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Athletic Club took the lead twice, but Villarreal fought back on both occasions, demonstrating their determination and never-say-die attitude.
The result leaves Athletic Club in seventh place in the La Liga standings, while Villarreal remains in fifth place. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances in this match as they push for a strong finish to the season.
