UEL: Athletic Club Survive Plzen Scare to Win 2-1 and Advance in Europa League

Athletic Club secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen to finish second in their UEFA Europa League group and advance to the Round of 16.

Athletic Club concluded the league phase of the UEFA Europa League on a high note, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen. This win ensured the Spanish side finished second in the group table and maintained their perfect home record in the competition, having yet to concede a goal.

The match began with a flurry of activity, as Nico Williams tested Martin Jedlicka with a shot within the first three minutes. Williams then tracked back to deny Milan Havel at the other end. Inaki Williams also had an attempt, curling a shot over the crossbar. Despite Athletic Club's early pressure, Plzen showed determination to cause an upset, with a top-eight finish still within their grasp.

Plzen's Lukas Kalvach unleashed a powerful strike that was saved by Julen Agirrezabala, and the hosts continued to push forward. Yuri Berchiche was denied on two occasions, while Gorka Guruzeta headed over from Álex Berenguer's corner. Athletic Club's persistence eventually paid off, but not before Dani Vivian's header was disallowed due to an offside position. The hosts didn't have to wait long for a legitimate goal, as Inaki Williams broke forward and squared the ball for his brother Nico to score.

The match was marked by a willingness from both teams to put their bodies on the line, with several players blocking shots in a tense and physical encounter. Havel, Lukas Cerv, Guruzeta, and Nico Williams all had shots blocked as the teams battled for placement in the group.

The second half began with a physical challenge that left Pavel Sulc with a cut on his face. Despite this, Plzen continued to compete well and initially avoided further setbacks. Inaki Williams glanced a header wide, but the visitors remained in the contest.

Athletic Club eventually managed to create some breathing room in the 64th minute. Yeray Alvarez threw himself at Álex Berenguer's floated free-kick, heading the ball into the net to give the hosts a 2-0 lead. However, Plzen responded swiftly, pulling a goal back just seven minutes later. Lukas Cerv rolled the ball across to Milan Havel, who cut inside Yuri Berchiche and curled his effort in off the post.

🔚 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 👊 LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!!

Athletic beat @fcviktorkaplzen to finish second in the League Phase and book a place in the @EuropaLeague round of 16.

👏 Zorionak, Lions!#AthleticViktoriaPlzen #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/FEU7HH90u7

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) January 30, 2025

Plzen pushed forward in pursuit of an equalizer, with Sulc leading the charge. However, he hit one shot wide and saw another headed behind by Dani Vivian. The visitors' hopes were then dealt a blow when Daniel Vašulín was sent off. Despite this, Athletic Club sealed the win in audacious fashion, as Javier Martón scooped the ball over Martin Jedlicka to secure a 2-1 victory.

The 2024/25 #UEL league phase ✅ pic.twitter.com/BGnoQwzie1

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 30, 2025

The win marked Athletic Club's second victory in their last six matches across all competitions, securing second spot in the league phase standings and automatic qualification to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Plzen suffered only their second defeat in the league phase, but Miroslav Koubek's side will still be seeded in the play-off draw.