Athletic Bilbao, led by Xabi Alonso, was crowned with a resounding 4‑0 victory over Getafe at the San Mamés, consolidating the crisis that the Alicante club is going through. The victory, which occurred in the season opener in the League, became a rout that left Bordalás' team with no options to react.
The match began with Athletic taking control of the game from the kickoff. Xabi Alonso's strategy, which opted for a 4-2-4, allowed Iñaki Williams and Álex Berenguer to position themselves as central forwards, while Nico Williams and the young winger Imga were deployed on the wings. The goals came in the 17th, 35th, 70th and 88th minutes, with Berenguer, Williams, Aitor Paredes and Yuri scoring respectively. The first goal, a shot from Berenguer, opened the gap and the second, a header from Williams, sealed the dominance of the Bilbao team. Paredes added the third goal with a powerful volley, and Yuri completed the rout in the last quarter of an hour.
Getafe, who entered the match with a 5-4-1, showed a disorganized defense and few attacking opportunities. The players of the Alicante team were forced to change tactics after the tie in the first half, switching to a defense of four with Sazonov and Andrés García. Despite Mojica's attempts and the pressure in the center of the field, Athletic maintained superiority and continued accumulating arrivals. The expulsion of Mario Martín, who was sent off in the last minutes, marked the end of the game with a 4‑0 in favor of the lions.
The victory also served as the stage for the debut of two young people from the club. Imga, a 17-year-old winger who recently joined Bilbao Athletic, and Vizcay, a center forward, made their first appearance as lions in the League. Both players actively participated in the match, and the Bilbao team dedicated the result to the injured Guruzeta. Additionally, Athletic used the opportunity to give playing time to other players, such as Canales and Rego, and to test new midfield combinations.
With this victory, Athletic Bilbao reinforces its position in the table and demonstrates its ability to dominate teams in crisis. Getafe, for its part, faces a complicated season and will have to find solutions to avoid more defeats. Athletic's next match will be crucial to maintain momentum and consolidate their position in the competition.