Athletic Club dramatically began their La Liga campaign with a 3-2 victory over Sevilla at San Mamés on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in front of 49,134 fans. The Basques looked in control with a 2-0 halftime lead, only to be pegged back by a spirited Sevilla fightback before Robert Navarro’s late strike sealed all three points.
The hosts struck first after a lively opening period when Nico Williams, fresh from signing a new contract, was brought down in the penalty area by Juanlu. The forward coolly converted the spot-kick himself in the 34th minute to give Athletic the lead.
Williams continued to torment Sevilla’s back line and was instrumental again just before the break, twisting past his marker before delivering a deflected cross that found Maroan Sannadi, who tucked it home in the 43rd minute.
Sevilla responded after halftime through sheer resilience. Dodi Lukébakio halved the deficit in the 60th minute with a spectacular 25-yard curling strike that clattered in off the post. Lucien Agoumé then levelled the score in the 72nd minute, sweeping home after a quick free kick caught Athletic’s defence off guard.
Just when it looked as though the visitors might escape with a draw, Ernesto Valverde’s side hit back. Williams was once again at the heart of it, clipping in a clever cross that substitute Robert Navarro bundled over the line in the 81st minute to mark his debut in style.
Athletic Club posted a clip of Athletic Club players celebrating the victory with fans via the club’s official X handle.
Watch the video below:
Softfootball can confirm that the result extends Athletic Club’s unbeaten run against Sevilla to five matches (W4, D1), while Sevilla’s wait for an opening-day victory stretches to a fourth straight season. Despite the defeat, new coach Matías Almeyda saw promise in his young squad, whose average age of 25 years and 345 days was Sevilla’s youngest La Liga starting XI on managerial debut since Juande Ramos in 2005.
Williams’ performance was historic; he became the first Athletic player since Aritz Aduriz in 2015 to score, assist, and win a penalty in the same La Liga game. For Valverde, the night was one of relief and satisfaction, as San Mamés once again proved a fortress in a season-opening classic.
