Tue Aug 26 06:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article rewrite of the provided text:
**Summary:**
Athletic Bilbao secured a narrow victory against Rayo Vallecano thanks to a penalty scored by Oihan Sancet, who returned from injury. The match was largely uneventful until Sancet drew and converted the penalty in the second half. The game was characterized by tight midfield play and few clear chances until Sancet’s intervention. This win marks Athletic’s best start to a season in a decade.
**News Article:**
**Sancet’s Return Seals Victory for Athletic Bilbao Against Rayo Vallecano**
**BILBAO, Spain** – Oihan Sancet marked his return from injury with a decisive penalty, leading Athletic Bilbao to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano at a packed San Mamés stadium. The match, a La Liga fixture, saw Athletic secure their second consecutive win of the season.
The game was a tactical affair, with both sides showcasing aggressive pressing and rapid transitions, resulting in a congested midfield and limited clear-cut chances in the first half. While Rayo Vallecano appeared the sharper side early on, Athletic found their footing towards the end of the first half, with Nico Williams creating some opportunities.
The introduction of Sancet early in the second half proved pivotal. His energy and creativity sparked Athletic’s attack. The decisive moment came when Sancet cleverly won a penalty, drawing a foul from Rayo’s Gumbau. Sancet stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, securing the win for the home side.
“I’m Sancet and I am back,” Sancet stated after the match.
The victory marks Athletic Bilbao’s best start to a league season in a decade, mirroring their opening form in 2009 and 2013. While the team’s performance wasn’t flawless, Sancet’s contribution and the team’s ability to grind out a win have given Athletic fans reason for optimism. Rayo Vallecano, after a successful start to their campaign, will look to bounce back after their first defeat of the season.
First Piper 