Athletic player ratings: Simón outstanding at the Pizjuán | OneFootball

Unai Simón stood out at the Pizjuán, his reflexes keeping Athletic in a breathless contest featuring a VAR twist, a first-half leveller and a second-half penalty.

as.com notes a mixed Athletic display. Simón denied Akor one on one and later tipped away a Romero header, while VAR cancelled a Gudelj own goal on 22 minutes.

Navarro then put Athletic ahead around 40 minutes, turning in Izeta’s effort, his fourth in the league and ninth overall. Izeta, on his first league start, had pressed the line tirelessly. Peque equalised before the interval.

After the break, Berchiche’s handball against Romero brought a penalty on 54 minutes, Akor converting for 2-1. Sancet, closely marked, spurned two openings and Berenguer blazed over from his pass. Vivian led the defence, with Paredes steady and Areso enterprising but exposed.

Changes arrived on 57 minutes, Nico Williams for Navarro, Unai Gómez for Galarreta and Hierro for Izeta, then Vesga for Jauregizar on 71. Nico struggled to break through. Hierro headed wide from a Serrano cross and later drove off target.

Source: as.com