Sevilla continued their impressive start to the LaLiga season with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Athletic Bilbao, following up last weekend’s late win against Rayo Vallecano. Oso played a decisive role with a goal and an assist as Sevilla secured their first victory in four visits to San Mamés.
Athletic threatened to make a strong start in Edin Terzić’s first match in charge, with Odysseas Vlachodimos called into action early to deny Beñat Gerenabarrena and Iñaki Williams from distance.
However, the game soon swung in Sevilla’s favour when Yuri Berchiche was sent off for bringing down Miguel Sierra just outside the penalty area. Sevilla quickly took advantage of their numerical advantage, with poor passing at the back allowing Oso to collect the ball and roll it into an empty net.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Athletic showed signs of improvement towards the end of the first half. Oihan Sancet narrowly missed the target before setting up Williams, whose deflected effort was saved by Vlachodimos. The result ensured Sevilla would take a half-time lead in a LaLiga away match for the first time in 18 games.
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Luis García made three substitutions at half-time in an attempt to strengthen his side, and two of the changes combined to extend Sevilla’s advantage shortly after the restart. Isaac Romero found Chidera Ejuke on the wing, with the forward driving into the box before producing a superb chip over Unai Simón.
Athletic’s problems deepened when another defensive error proved costly. Jesús Areso was dispossessed by Oso, who then turned provider by setting up Romero to curl his effort into the far corner.
The hosts eventually pulled one back through an unlikely scorer, as centre-back Aitor Paredes smashed the ball into the net after it fell to him from a corner. However, the goal came too late to change the outcome.
The defeat leaves Athletic with just one clean sheet in their last 29 matches, while Terzić has plenty to address after his first game in charge. His next challenge will be a difficult trip to reigning champions Barcelona.
Sevilla, meanwhile, can enjoy an early place at the top of the LaLiga table, with García recording only his second away victory since taking charge in late March.
