Athletic Bilbao suffered a disappointing start to the new La Liga season: The Basques could not get beyond a 1-1 draw at home to FC Getafe
Athletic Bilbao’s dress rehearsal for the 2024/25 competitive season was a complete disaster: In the 4-0 defeat in Stuttgart, the Basques, who were severely short of substitutes, had no chance at all. With a much more prominent line-up, FC Getafe, who had lost a number of key players in the summer, were to be put in their place at the start. It turned out differently.
European champion Nico Williams, who now wears the number 10 shirt in Bilbao, was initially only on the bench. And had to watch as Getafe got into the game: The visitors started boldly and had the first good chance – but La Liga debutant Uche failed to beat Alex Padilla (13′).
And because Getafe lacked the killer instinct in front of goal, it was 1-0 to the home side shortly afterwards. Sancet took up a central position in front of the penalty area and placed his shot next to the right-hand post (27). Inaki Williams, older brother of Nico, could have made it 2-0 seconds before the break, but his left-footed shot fizzed just past the post (45.+8).
Getafe remained brave after the break, but after Peter’s shot hit the post (48′), Alena also missed a great chance alone in front of Alex Padilla (52′). Just as many fans were wondering whether it was to be that day, debutant Uche of all people provided the answer: following a corner, the 21-year-old headed powerfully into the bottom left-hand corner (64′).
Hot injury time at the San Mames
Ernesto Valverde had to react and brought on Nico Williams shortly afterwards, who was celebrated frenetically by the almost 50,000 spectators when he came on. The 22-year-old was immediately a fixture for the Basques, but Soria saved a powerful shot and a direct free-kick from the European champions (77′, 80′).
Events finally came to a head in stoppage time, but both Vivian’s header from a suspected offside position and a penalty claimed in vain by Unai Gomez failed to secure victory (90.+3, 90.+4).
So the reigning Spanish cup winners will have to make do with a draw at the start. It won’t be any easier on August 24 when they travel to Barcelona – who still seem to be working on a Nico Williams deal. Getafe host Rayo Vallecano two and a half hours later
