Athletic Bilbao secured a emphatic and comprehensive 3-0 victory over Atlético Madrid this Saturday in the fourth round of La Liga. Ernesto Valverde's team displayed high-intensity football at the San Mamés Stadium to claim three vital points.
The match, covered by www.koreaherald.com, showed a more even first half where Atlético hit the woodwork twice. The second half, however, was a one-sided affair. High pressure and rapid transitions completely dismantled a rival that collapsed. Robert Navarro was a constant nightmare for the visitors' left flank, being instrumental in the build-up to the second goal.
How did Atlético Madrid fall apart?
The evaluation by Spanish outlet El Desmarque of the visiting players was scathing. Seven players received a failing grade. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak and left-back Alex Grimaldo got the worst rating, a 3. The Slovenian made no saves, while Grimaldo struggled terribly to contain Robert Navarro throughout the match. The midfield also faltered, with Marcos Llorente scoring a 4 after losing his personal duel with Nico Williams.
The substitutes brought no solutions. Koke and Arnau Ortiz managed only a 4. Forwards Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone, with a 3, were ineffective. Only a few saved some face. Marc Pubill, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios achieved a 6, the first for his defensive work in the first half and the other two for providing some stability. Alex Baena also got a 6 for trying to drive the attack with his shooting.
What was Lee Kang-in's role in the defeat?
The 25-year-old South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in started in the heart of Athletic's midfield. El Desmarque "praised his energetic start and close control in creating the attempt that hit the post, but said his influence gradually faded". The player was on the pitch until the 58th minute and came close to scoring with a right-footed shot that struck the post. His replacement, Cristian Romero, made his official debut for Atlético and received a rating of 5, the same as Julian Álvarez.
What is the current state of Athletic's squad?
The victory comes at a time when the team must manage several significant absences. Key players currently sidelined include midfielder Beñat Prados, defenders Dani Vivian and Yeray Álvarez, and forwards Peio Canales and Nico Serrano. This squad depth will be a factor in the coming weeks as the fixture congestion takes its toll. Fans can check the status of the entire squad on our injuries page.
What does this win mean for the season?
This 3-0 result is a massive morale boost and solidifies the lions in the upper reaches of the table. It demonstrates the solidity of the project and the ability to compete with the top sides. The team showed a clear identity and lethal effectiveness in the second half. The team's next fixture presents another challenge, and supporters can plan the schedule by viewing our fixtures page. With several players recovering, squad management will be key to maintaining this rhythm. The full squad and their data are available in the squad section.
