An Athletic with honor

Any adjective is insufficient to describe what happened on Wednesday night in San Mamés, when Athletic achieved a well-deserved victory over Real Madrid by 2-1. Although success is perhaps the most important, it is only one of the ingredients that make up a perfect environment in Bilbao. The red and white came to the game in great shape and with high morale, and it was noticeable to the fans, who managed to sell all the tickets sold by the club on its website.

There was a desire to live a magical night at La Catedral and the first indications suggested that it might happen. Although the attendance record – 52,061 people in the semi-final of the Cup against Atlético de Madrid – was not surpassed, the entry into the field was exceptional (51,364) considering that it was a Wednesday at nine o’clock in the evening .

Athletics have done their part. Now it’s the turn of the players who have to fight hard on the green. I’m sure I’m not the only one who was completely surprised by the starting eleven that Valverde chose. The good performance offered by the whole squad, however, the proximity of the important rivalry against Villarreal and the excellent work of the coach gave me all my confidence in the starting lineup. Because when Txingurri does things a certain way it’s for a reason, and this time he’s absolutely right again.

From the great performance of Agirrezabala, who saved a penalty against Mbappé, through the strength and defensive efficiency of Vivián, Yeray and Gorosabel and even the great game played by Jauregizar. All of them more than delivered in a match where they outplayed the whites for the 96 minutes the match lasted.

The lions were able to show their game and, above all, what for me is one of the keys to victory: keeping the pressure high until the end and not locking themselves in as could happen after Bellingham’s goal . A great night where Athletic did everything well and showed once again that they can handle anyone in front of them.