The defeat was inevitable for Athletic, and it finally came at the hands of Atlético, putting an end to their impressive streak that lasted from October 6 without a loss in a league match. This remarkable run of 16 games is only surpassed by one other instance in the club’s history – the 1929-30 LaLiga season, where the team, trained by MR Pentland, remained unbeaten for 18 games. The lions’ downfall came in a match where they hit the post not once, not twice, but three times, a cruel twist of fate that sealed their fate.
It’s not just the streak that Athletic is saying goodbye to; they’re also waving goodbye to their ambitions of finishing with three points, which would have kept them in the running for the LaLiga title. Now, they’ve lost their grip on the top spots and need to keep an eye on the teams behind them, with Villarreal playing on Monday against Espanyol, potentially closing the gap to just one point. The next league match for Athletic will be on March 9 against Mallorca in San Mamés, and by then, they’ll know the outcome of Villarreal’s visit to Alavés.
As Iñaki Williams, who saw two of his shots crash into the crossbar, put it, “We have deserved much more because we have had more chances than them, but this is going to put them. We have had bad luck because we have done our best to mark.” He reflected on the game, saying, “How the game has gone is a pity. We had many aspirations and maintained a four-point advantage with Villarreal, but now we will have to wait to see what they do. The team has made a good game, but they have determining players, and Julian every time he participates and improves the play.” The disappointment was palpable, but Williams’ words also conveyed a sense of pride in his team’s performance.
Athletic’s Streak in Perspective
The Lions’ 16-game streak was an impressive achievement, one that showcased their resilience and determination. Although it’s come to an end, the team can take heart from their performance and the fact that they pushed Atlético to the limit. The margin between victory and defeat was razor-thin, with Athletic hitting the post three times – a stark reminder that sometimes, luck just isn’t on your side.
Looking Ahead
As Athletic prepares for their next league match, they’ll be keeping a close eye on the results around them. Villarreal’s game against Espanyol on Monday will be particularly significant, as it could potentially alter the dynamics of the table. With several teams still in contention for the top spots, the stakes are high, and every point counts. Athletic will need to regroup, refocus, and come back stronger if they want to stay in the running for LaLiga.