Oihan Sancet scored the goal that gave Athletic Bilbao a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the fourth matchday of LaLiga. The match took place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at a packed San Mames stadium, as reported by Reuters news agency.
The Basque midfielder decided the contest with a precise finish that left the visiting goalkeeper with no chance. The moment, captured by Vincent West for Reuters, shows a dejected Marcos Llorente of Atletico after the goal, reflecting the frustration of the red-and-white team. This result allows Athletic to collect three important points in their season start.
How did the key match unfold?
The game was a very even tactical duel, with both sides seeking control of the midfield. Athletic, with their characteristic intensity, pressed high and created several dangerous chances before the goal. The home defense, led by a solid center-back pairing, kept Atletico's attackers at bay for most of the match. The only goal came in the second half, following a team move that ended with Sancet inside the area.
Atletico's reaction after the goal was immediate, but they ran into the security of the Lions' backline and the alert vigilance of their goalkeeper. The Bilbao team managed the final result intelligently, closing spaces and exploiting counterattacks. The victory consolidates Athletic in the upper part of the standings in these first weeks of competition.
What does this win mean for the season?
Beating a direct rival like Atletico Madrid at home provides a massive morale boost for Athletic's project. It demonstrates the team's solidity in their San Mames fortress, where they have achieved a perfect start to the season. These three points are valuable for the European objectives the club has set for the 2026-27 campaign.
Also, it reinforces confidence in an identifiable style of play that bets on pressing and possession. Sancet's goal, from an academy-grown player, symbolizes the success of the club's philosophy. The squad, which you can check in detail on our squad page, shows a compact block with clear ideas. The next challenge will be maintaining this consistency in the fifth matchday, where they will visit Valencia.
Who were the standout performers?
Oihan Sancet was, without a doubt, the man of the match. Not only for his decisive goal but for his physical effort and his connection with the offensive play. Behind him, the work of the midfield was fundamental in neutralizing Atletico's creativity.
In defense, the job of the full-backs containing the visiting wingers was key. The home goalkeeper had a secure performance, saving everything that came his way and providing calm to his teammates. On the bench, the management of substitutions came at the right moment to refresh the lines and secure the result. The team now looks to the future with optimism, focused on the next league match on September 13.
