Athletic Bilbao beat Atlético Madrid 1-0 in an intense match at San Mamés, courtesy of a stunning late goal by Álex Berenguer. Sorloth missed a clear chance for the visitors moments earlier. The win boosts the Basque side's Champions League hopes, leaving Atlético nine points behind Barça.
The match, played on December 6, 2025, at San Mamés, was a thrilling, high-intensity clash with both teams pressing across the pitch from the start. Ernesto Valverde's side, aiming to secure Champions League qualification, outlasted Diego Simeone's team, who sought to stay in the title race. Nico Williams, regaining his spark after muscular issues, was pivotal with his speed and passes to Guruzeta and Sancet, though they missed their shots.
Plagued by injuries to Llorente, Giménez, Cardoso, and Baena, Atlético debuted Pubill as center-back, who handled physical duels well. Unai Simón shone with an impossible save on Almada's volley, while Julián Álvarez worked hard in pressing but faltered in attack, replaced by Griezmann in the 65th minute. Barrios and Gallagher tried to control midfield but racked up losses leading to four early yellows, including Gallagher's, who left injured after 30 minutes.
After halftime, Athletic sustained the pressure, with Williams breaking lines. Simeone subbed in Koke for Gallagher, followed by Raspadori, Ruggeri, and Griezmann. Valverde countered with Unai Gómez, Rego, Izeta, and Gorosabel. Sorloth headed wide from a clear chance, but moments later, Berenguer unleashed a precise left-footed shot past Oblak. This away defeat heightens Atlético's vulnerabilities outside the Metropolitano, unbeaten at home but fragile on the road, just two days before facing PSV Eindhoven.