Athletic Bilbao claim third pre-season win with Guruzeta and Sancet goals
Athletic Bilbao secured their third straight pre-season victory on July 22, 2026, beating Sestao River 0-2 at Las Llanas. Iñaki Guruzeta’s header in the 2nd minute and Oihan Sancet’s strike in the 90th sealed the win for Ernesto Valverde Terzic’s side, which maintained its unbeaten run in friendlies.
A tougher test than expected
Unlike their opening matches against Derio and Leioa, Athletic Bilbao faced a well-organized Sestao River side under Héctor Urquía, making their first competitive appearance of the season. The hosts pressed high and forced Athletic to defend deep for long spells, but Guruzeta’s early goal from a set-piece set the tone.
Hughes’ set-piece impact and defensive solidity
Andrew Hughes, the new set-piece specialist from the Scotland national team, made an immediate impact. His arrival at Lezama has coincided with Athletic’s improved conversion in dead-ball situations. Guruzeta’s opener came from a corner delivered by Adama, while Sancet’s late strike sealed the win. Sestao River tested Mikel Santos and Padilla in goal, but Athletic’s defensive structure held firm.
Terzic rotates and assesses the squad
Terzic fielded a 4-2-3-1 with Hugo Rincón, Yeray, Paredes and Adama in defense, and Galarreta and Prados in midfield. He introduced changes after the hour mark, bringing on Mikel Santos, Areso, Johaneko, Gere, Canales and Robert Navarro. The rotation allowed fringe players to gain minutes in a tightly contested match that demanded Athletic’s full attention.
Sestao River impresses on debut
Urquía’s side, newly promoted to Spain’s Tercera División, showed resilience and tactical discipline. Despite Athletic’s control in possession, the hosts created chances, particularly in the first half. The 4,000-strong crowd at Las Llanas roared on their team, who refused to fold even against a La Liga side.
