Athletic player ratings: Yuri Berchiche emerges with credit | OneFootball

Yuri Berchiche was one of the few to emerge with credit for Athletic, supplying a late assist for Gorka Guruzeta as the hosts chased the game. As reported by as.com, Villarreal had already established a two-goal lead.

Simón palmed away a strike from Gueye, but the opener followed despite a block on the play. He then denied a Gerard Moreno header.

Alfon, left unmarked, made it 0-2, and Simón later kept out Buchanan. Lekue could not prevent the first and was robbed for the second, then was replaced by Gorosabel at half-time.

Laporte read danger sharply and clashed heads with Gerard Moreno, later seeing an attacking header saved by Júnior. He appealed for a stoppage-time penalty after a push.

Berchiche drove forward with a cross-shot and a volley that Júnior saved, then sent another effort just wide. He kept his composure to tee up Guruzeta to reduce the deficit in the 83rd minute, the striker’s seventh league goal.

Galarreta struggled to find rhythm in a crowded midfield, while Jauregizar went close with a low effort from the edge and added bite. Vivian held firm at the back.

Sancet was quiet before the break, improved after, was held in the box and later shot over. Williams headed straight at Júnior and worked hard after the interval, while Nico Williams dribbled well and unsettled the yellow defence.

Rego replaced Galarreta on 64 to steady the midfield, with Navarro on for Sancet at the same time and trying to beat his man. Berenguer came on for Nico Williams on 64, and Serrano replaced Williams on 81, immediately bursting forward for a shot and bringing energy.

Source: as.com