Atletico Madrid may be going through some big-league crisis as they fell to Bilbao to record their fourth loss of the season.
Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Williams scored second-half goals to give Athletic Bilbao a 2-0 home win over Atletico Madrid. Now they are only two points from the Champions League spot.
Bilbao missed an opportunity to be in front in the 34th minute, when Ohian Sancet missed from the penalty spot after Nico Williams was fouled inside the box.
Madrid were brewing with confidence as they thrashed Lazio 2-0 last Wednesday to secure top spot in Champions League Group E. It was the first time since 2016 that they reached the knockouts as group winners.
Atletico defended till the 51st minute, when Inaki Williams made a brilliant individual play to set up the opening goal.
He dribbled past three rivals, passing to Ander Herrera who lifted a perfect cross to Guruzeta who tapped the ball into the net.
13 minutes later, Nico Williams made it two, sending a powerful shot past Oblak to secure the win.
“I am very emotional. It went very well for us today. It was a difficult match but we are a very ambitious team. This is the way,” Nico Williams told Movistar Plus.
“I’m very grateful. These fans have given me everything and San Mames has to be a fortress.
“We dream, but match by match. Hopefully we’ll be in Europe next year.”
