Athletic ratings: Vivian rediscovers his best form | OneFootball

Vivian led a rugged Athletic display, sharp to interceptions and bold carrying the ball, with the international centre-back back to his best. Yamal, however, beat Simón with a curling finish into the top corner.

As reported by as.com, Unai Gómez, playing wide, suffered a left knee sprain in the seventh minute and limped off. Navarro replaced him in minute nine. Selton, a surprise starter, was guided by Valverde in the 24th minute and withdrawn for Sancet at half-time, before Guruzeta and Vesga came on in the 68th minute and Eder García in the 74th.

Simón made early saves from Ferran and from a deflection off Gorosabel, then smothered bravely at Cancedo’s feet. He also clawed away an effort from Rashfort but could do nothing about Yamal’s strike.

Gorosabel defended with grit, limiting his forays and producing two key late clearances as Athletic chased an equaliser. Laporte took a heavy knock while surging towards Joan García yet recovered to remain steady, and Boiro contained Yamal for long spells. Vivian’s aggression carried into attack and he collected a harsh early booking, having also shone against La Real in the cup.

Rego held his station in battles with Bernal and Casadó and was booked. Jauregizar grafted, pinching balls and sending one effort over from the edge. Selton showed flashes with a couple of threaded passes and twice went close by millimetres.

Williams led the line, pressing high, saw a header saved by Joan García and had a goal ruled out for offside, his surge almost brought a red for Cubarsí. Berenguer grew into it on the left and troubled the blaugrana defence, while Navarro injected tempo with sharp passes and runs, setting up Sancet to fire across goal. Sancet later drew a save, blazed over and volleyed just wide, while Guruzeta saw little service.

Source: as.com