Espanyol Stun Athletic Club 2–1 at San Mamés as Berenguer Scores in Defeat

Athletic Club’s home advantage proved insufficient on the night as Espanyol secured a valuable 2–1 away victory at San Mamés, delivering a composed and efficient performance to claim all three points. Goals from Carlos Romero and Pere Milla sealed the win for the visitors, while Alejandro Berenguer Remiro netted Athletic’s lone goal in a tightly contested encounter.

The result marks a frustrating setback for Athletic, while Espanyol leave Bilbao with a confidence-boosting triumph.

First Half: Espanyol Take Control, Athletic Respond

Athletic began the match with their usual intensity, pressing high and pushing forward with purpose. However, it was Espanyol who struck first, showing calmness and precision in the final third.

The breakthrough came when Carlos Romero capitalised on a well-timed move, finding space and finishing confidently to give Espanyol the lead. The goal quietened the San Mamés crowd and shifted the momentum in the visitors’ favour.

Athletic responded with urgency, increasing pressure and forcing Espanyol deeper. Their persistence paid off when Alejandro Berenguer Remiro found the net, bringing the hosts level and restoring belief just as the game threatened to drift away from them.

The teams went into halftime locked at 1–1, with everything still to play for.

Second Half: Pere Milla Delivers the Decisive Moment

The second half became a test of patience and discipline. Athletic controlled more possession, probing for openings through wide areas and set pieces. Espanyol, however, remained compact and well-organised.

Against the flow of the game, Espanyol struck decisively. A swift transition caught Athletic out, and Pere Milla showed composure inside the box to slot home what proved to be the winning goal.

With the score at 2–1, Espanyol shifted focus to game management. They defended intelligently, blocked shooting lanes, and limited Athletic to half-chances despite sustained late pressure from the hosts.

Athletic pushed hard in the closing stages but were unable to find a second equaliser.

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Key Talking Points

Carlos Romero Sets the Tone

Romero’s opener was crucial, giving Espanyol early control and confidence. His movement and finishing highlighted Espanyol’s efficiency in attack.

Berenguer’s Effort Not Enough

Alejandro Berenguer Remiro’s goal was a moment of quality and determination, but Athletic were unable to build on it when it mattered most.

Pere Milla’s Composed Winner

Milla’s goal was the difference. Calm, clinical, and perfectly timed, rewarding Espanyol’s disciplined approach.

What the Result Means

Espanyol

This victory stands out as one of Espanyol’s most impressive away results, underlining their tactical maturity and ability to execute under pressure.

Athletic Club

For Athletic, the defeat is a reminder of how fine the margins are at this level. Despite strong spells and home dominance, inefficiency in key moments proved costly.

Final Thoughts

Espanyol’s 2–1 win over Athletic Club was a masterclass in efficiency and composure. Goals from Carlos Romero and Pere Milla ensured the visitors left San Mamés with maximum points, while Alejandro Berenguer Remiro’s strike ultimately proved insufficient for the hosts.

On a night where execution outweighed possession, Espanyol delivered when it mattered most.