Ath Bilbao 1-3 Sevilla: Early Red Card Punished as Ejuke and Romero Secure Away Win

Match Overview

Sevilla secured an impressive 3-1 away victory over Athletic Club at Estadio San Mames on Saturday in Round 2 of the 2026 LaLiga campaign. The fixture swung decisively after just eleven minutes when Athletic Club left-back Yuri Berchiche received a straight red card. Sevilla took full advantage of their numerical superiority, scoring through Oso, Chidera Ejuke, and Isaac Romero before Aitor Paredes pulled a consolation goal back for the ten-man hosts.

First Half: Berchiche Dismissal and Oso Opener

The pivotal moment of the encounter took place in the 11th minute. Sevilla initiated a quick counter-attack, and Yuri Berchiche brought down the attacker as the last defender, prompting the referee to issue a straight red card for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Sevilla converted their advantage four minutes later in the 15th minute when winger Oso found space on the left side of the penalty area and fired past goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala to make it 1-0.

A tense period followed with numerous disciplinary bookings. Sevilla forward Peque was shown a yellow card in the 22nd minute. In the 25th minute, both Athletic striker Gorka Guruzeta and Sevilla's Miguel Sierra were cautioned after a midfield dispute. Sevilla midfielder Jon Guridi received a yellow card in the 39th minute as Sevilla navigated their 1-0 advantage safely to half-time.

Second Half: Half-Time Substitutions and Decisive Goals

Sevilla manager introduced a triple substitution at the half-time interval, bringing on Nicolas Guilen for Peque, Chidera Ejuke for Miguel Sierra, and Isaac Romero for Jon Guridi. The adjustments yielded immediate results: in the 50th minute, Romero squared the ball across the box for Ejuke to slot home for 2-0. Seven minutes later in the 57th minute, Oso turned provider, teeing up Romero to score Sevilla's third goal with a clinical finish.

Athletic Club made a triple change in the 58th minute, introducing Nico Williams for Inaki Williams, Aymeric Laporte for Jesus Areso, and Maroan Sannadi for Guruzeta. Athletic responded in the 70th minute when Yeray Alvarez set up central defender Aitor Paredes to finish from close range and reduce the arrears to 1-3. Athletic brought on Hugo Rincon for Paredes in the 74th minute and Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta for Benat Gerenabarrena in the 83rd minute.

Ruiz de Galarreta was booked in the 87th minute, and Romero collected a late caution in the 91st minute. Sevilla maintained possession calmly through added time to secure their 3-1 away triumph.

Statistical Breakdown

Sevilla recorded 14 total shots with 6 on target, generating an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.15 and an expected goals on target (xGOT) value of 2.48. Athletic Club managed 7 shots with 3 on target, accumulating 0.74 xG and 0.88 xGOT. Sevilla controlled 61 percent possession and completed 472 of 538 passes (88 percent), compared to Athletic's 284 completed passes from 346 attempts (82 percent). Sevilla created 4 big chances, won 54 duels, and earned 7 corner kicks over the ninety minutes.

League Standings Impact

The 3-1 victory lifts Sevilla to 3 points and a +2 goal difference in LaLiga following Round 2. Athletic Club remain on 0 points following the home defeat at San Mames.