Athletic Bilbao B secured a clear 3-0 victory over SD Laredo in a friendly match played on August 18, 2024. The fixture, covered by the outlet 365Scores, served as preseason preparation for the reserve team.
Ander Pecina was the star of the show, scoring two goals within the first fifteen minutes. The forward opened the scoring in the 10th minute and extended the lead just five minutes later, in the 15th. This brace allowed Athletic Bilbao B to reach halftime with a comfortable 0-2 lead.
How did Athletic Bilbao B dominate the game?
The reserve team's control of the match was absolute throughout the ninety minutes. Statistics published by 365Scores show Athletic Bilbao B enjoyed 68% possession of the ball. This superiority in midfield limited SD Laredo's offensive options, who had to settle for just 32% of the time with the ball.
The second half confirmed the match's trend. Although the scoreline didn't change until later, the Bilbao-based team continued to dictate the pace. The third goal arrived later to seal the match and round off a solid performance. These kinds of tests are essential for the reserve team players to gain competitive rhythm, especially in a context where the first team is dealing with several significant absences. Key players like Beñat Prados, Dani Vivian, Peio Canales, Nico Serrano, and Yeray Álvarez are currently sidelined.
What is the importance of these friendlies for the reserves?
Preparation matches like the one against SD Laredo are a key piece in the development of the youth players. They allow the coach to test tactical schemes and evaluate the squad's fitness ahead of official competition. The 3-0 win, with such pronounced possession-based play, is a good indicator of the work done during the preseason.
For fans who want to follow the progress of these young talents, all information about the reserve squad is available on our squad page. There you can consult the full team composition, which aims to build a positive season. Good performance in friendlies lays the foundation to face league challenges with guarantees.
What is the current context of the club?
This reserve team match takes place within a moment of global planning at Athletic Club. While the B team prepares, the first team is also defining its roadmap for the season. The injury to several starters, like the aforementioned Vivian and Yeray Álvarez in defense, shows the importance of having a well-oiled and competitive youth system.
The performance of players like Ander Pecina in the reserves does not go unnoticed by the first-team coaching staff. These matches are a window to demonstrate they are ready to make the jump if the opportunity arises. The club's philosophy, based on youth development, makes every minute played by Bilbao Athletic players valuable.
The reserve team's next official commitment will be the first match of their league, a detail fans can check on the fixtures calendar. The victory against SD Laredo, with a final 3-0 score, is a good starting point.
