UEL: From Deficit to Delight - Athletic Club Stun Ludogorets

Ludogorets Crumble as Athletic Club Mount Impressive Comeback

Athletic's relentless pressure yielded dividends with two quickfire goals...

Iñaki Williams, Nico Serrano score as Athletic Club beats Ludogorets.

Athletic Club's impressive defensive record in the UEFA Europa League was breached unexpectedly in the 30th minute. Erick Marcus capitalized on a poor clearance from a corner, unleashing a powerful shot to give Ludogorets a surprise lead.

Against the run of play, Ludogorets seized the initiative, and their confidence grew with the goal. They nearly doubled their advantage before halftime as Rick scored from a low cross, but the effort was disallowed due to an offside in the buildup.

Despite controlling possession, Athletic struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. Ludogorets, on the other hand, looked more likely to score again and almost did on the stroke of halftime when Erick Marcus fired wide following a swift counterattack.

Ernesto Valverde made a bold triple substitution just 10 minutes into the second half, seeking to inject life into his team. The tactical switch paid off as Athletic began to dominate. Sergio Padt denied Yuri Berchiche's effort, while Kwadwo Duah's goal-bound strike was heroically cleared.

Athletic's relentless pressure yielded dividends with two quickfire goals, turning the match upside down. Iñaki Williams equalized with a clinical finish (62'), and Nico Serrano swiftly followed with a beautifully curled winner (63'). These goals deflated Ludogorets, allowing Athletic to cruise to victory.

The win propelled Athletic to third in the standings, temporarily. Ludogorets, meanwhile, slumped to their ninth consecutive defeat against Spanish sides, remaining 34th. Ander Herrera's late chance was thwarted, sealing Ludogorets' disappointing outcome.