The reaction of character in the Carlos Tartiere after being surprised by a goal as simple as it was damaging by Real Oviedo. Chaira’s goal came in an action that bordered on rudimentary: a long kick by the goalkeeper, two consecutive passes, first by Reina and then by Fede Viñas, which deactivated the red and white defense and the ball fell openly for the attacker to finish. A direct play, without elaboration, that punished Athletic’s lack of forcefulness and concentration and that seemed to confirm the bad feelings of a thick first half, without rhythm or depth. The Bilbao team had barely disturbed the rival goal and transmitted doubts in each defensive transition.
1
Aarón Escandell, Eric Bailly, Nacho Vidal (Lucas Ahijado, min. 80), Javi López, David Carmo, Alberto Reina (Nicolás Fonseca, min. 64), Santiago Colombatto (Álex Forés, min. 80), Ilyas Chaira, Haissem Hassan (Thiago Fernández, min. 56), Kwasi Sibo (Santi Cazorla, min. 64) y Federico Viñas
2
Unai Simón, Andoni Gorosabel (Jesús Areso, min. 65), Aitor Paredes, Aymeric Laporte, Yuri Berchiche, Íñigo Ruíz de Galarreta (Mikel Vesga, min. 65), Iñaki Williams, Nico Serrano (Robert Navarro, min. 45), Oihan Sancet (Unai Gómez, min. 89), Mikel Jauregizar (Alejandro Rego, min. 60) and Gorka Cruzeta
Goals
1-0 min. 29: Ilyas Chaira. 1-1 min. 57: Mikel Jaureguizar. 1-2 minutes. 70:O.Sancet
Referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer
yellow cards
Ruiz de Galarreta (min. 25), Santiago Colombatto (min. 38), Guruzeta (min. 67), Thiago Fernández (min. 69), Alejandro Rego (min. 86)
During those first 45 minutes, Athletic seemed predictable and lacked spark. The circulation was slow, the attacks died away from the area and the team could not find space or clarity in the last meters. Oviedo, more intense and orderly, knew how to exploit second plays and direct play, forcing the red and whites into an uncomfortable scenario. The 1-0 at half-time was a reflection of a poor staging, without the energy or aggressiveness that usually characterizes the Bilbao team when it competes at its best level.
But after passing through the locker room, the script changed. Athletic came out with a different attitude, advanced lines and increased the pressure on the local ball. The tie came as a result of that insistence, to score one of the goals of the day with a shot from outside the area and restore faith to the team. The goal was an emotional turning point: the red and white team began to dominate the rhythm of the game, win duels and establish themselves in the opposite field with greater continuity.
The comeback was completed from the penalty spot, and safely converting the maximum penalty. The 1-2 score not only turned the score around, but also symbolized the reaction capacity of a team that had started out hesitant and ended up imposing its character. From an almost primary goal conceded and a disappointing first half, Athletic went on to show personality, conviction and craftsmanship to reverse a match that seemed to get complicated too soon.
The victory not only allows them to add three points, but also regain their competitive pulse at a time when doubts were beginning to arise. Athletic knew how to correct their imbalances, increase the pace and take risks when the game demanded personality. After the tie, the team took a collective step forward: they pressed with greater conviction, played more time in the opponent’s half and showed a maturity that had been missing in the first half. Faced with an Oviedo that was progressively fading, first mentally and then physically, the red and white team imposed order and efficiency. The comeback was not the result of an outburst, but of sustained improvement, insistence and a more precise reading of the match. Regardless of the result, Athletic leaves Tartiere with the feeling of having found answers in an adverse context, something that may have value beyond the ninety minutes.
