Avilés shocks Athletic Bilbao with 3-2 comeback | Mikel Santos

Athletic Bilbao B fell 3-2 to Avilés on September 28, 2025, with a second‑half comeback deciding the match. The visitors scored three goals after the break, and Javi Cueto, fresh from injury, netted two within twenty minutes.

What happened in the first half?

Bilbao Athletic controlled possession, but every loss of the ball ended with Avilés applying intense pressure. The blanquiazules tried long balls to Raúl Rubio, but the forward remained isolated. Ibai Sanz opened the scoring with a powerful shot that was ruled offside. The VAR took its time reviewing the incident, but the goal was cancelled.

How did Avilés turn the game around?

Coach Dani Vidal’s tactical changes proved decisive. He brought on Raúl Rubio and Santamaría as wingers, aiming to break Bilbao Athletic’s buildup. When the red‑white side kept pressing, Avilés refined its press and launched counter‑attacks. Javi Cueto, after entering, scored two goals in twenty minutes, putting Avilés ahead.

What mistakes did Bilbao Athletic make?

The home side committed several marking errors. In the 30th minute, Ibai Sanz exploited a low defensive line and scored the first goal. Bilbao Athletic’s backline failed to react quickly, allowing the athletic forward to place the ball in the net. Moreover, the lack of speed in ball recovery left gaps that Avilés exploited.

What does this result mean for Bilbao Athletic?

The loss leaves Bilbao Athletic without points from the round and sitting mid‑table. The squad will need to revisit its defensive approach and substitution management. Cueto’s performance also draws attention: his quick return to the field and ability to score rapidly could be decisive in upcoming matches.

Avilés adds an important win that places them in the middle of the standings, while Bilbao Athletic must react swiftly to avoid a deeper slide down the table.