Mon Feb 03 02:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Athletic Club Secures Hard-Fought Draw at Real Betis
**Seville, Spain** – Athletic Club battled to a 2-2 draw against Real Betis at the Benito Villamarín stadium on Sunday, earning a valuable point in a traditionally difficult fixture. The match saw the debut of Brazilian winger Antony for Betis, who proved a significant threat, particularly against Athletic’s Lekue.
Betis took the lead twice, but Athletic responded each time thanks to goals from Paredes and Sancet. However, the standout performer for the visitors was Alex Berenguer, whose two corner kicks led directly to both Athletic goals. His first corner almost resulted in an Olympic goal, while the second was expertly headed home by Sancet, in his first start since a December injury. Berenguer’s performance highlighted Athletic’s effectiveness from set pieces.
The draw leaves Athletic in a positive position, particularly given their lighter fixture schedule following their successful Europa League campaign. However, the match ended on a sour note with a late injury to Djaló, adding to manager Valverde’s concerns with Nico Williams also carrying a muscle overload and Nico Serrano’s departure from the club.
First Piper 