Athletic bring Atlético back down to earth as Julián returns

Athletic Club needed only two minutes after halftime to turn its recovery into a statement. Nico Williams and Robert Navarro scored in quick succession as the Basque side defeated Atlético Madrid 3-0 at home on Saturday.

The victory was Athletic’s second in a row after a difficult start to LaLiga, which had brought two defeats. Atlético, meanwhile, suffered its first loss of the season just days before its Champions League opener away to Liverpool.

Atlético had chances to take control in the first half but failed to finish them. Lee Kang-In’s low shot in the third minute struck the post and rolled across the goal line without going in. Pablo Barrios then hit the post in first-half stoppage time.

Athletic pressed high and waited for its opportunity. It arrived immediately after the restart. Iñaki Williams’ mishit shot fell for Nico Williams, who headed in from close range in the 46th minute. Two minutes later, another ball extended by Iñaki reached Robert Navarro, who cut inside Alejandro Grimaldo and beat Jan Oblak with a low angled shot.

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We had a very good first half, but we could not be effective with the chances the team created.

“Those two goals hurt us a lot because they came in the blink of an eye,” Atlético midfielder Pablo Barrios told Movistar after the game.

Diego Simeone responded by sending on Julián Álvarez, Koke, Arnau and Cristian “Cuti” Romero, making his Atlético debut after joining from Tottenham. Álvarez returned after missing the previous weekend’s win over Sevilla because of an illness. He worked between the lines and had Atlético’s best second-half chance, but Unai Simón saved his turn-and-shot in the 70th minute.

Atlético pushed forward without finding a way through, while Athletic threatened on the counterattack. Oihan Sancet added the third in the 90th minute. Simeone said Atlético had played a very good first half but lacked efficiency, then saw the match slip away during those five decisive minutes after the break.

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Those two goals hurt us a lot because they came in the blink of an eye.