Alavés Clinches First Clean Sheet and Away Win with Narrow Victory

Alavés ends 20-year wait with 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao

Alaves ended Athletic Bilbao's unbeaten start with a win. Alavés secured their first away win and clean sheet of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Read more.

Alavés manager Eduardo Coudet expressed his dissatisfaction with his team's first-half performance by...

Athletic Club's flawless start to the season came to an end with a surprising 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés. The Basque derby saw Alavés secure a narrow victory, ending their 20-year wait for a LaLiga away win over Athletic Club. A second-half own goal proved to be the decisive factor in the match.

Athletic Club was without their head coach, Ernesto Valverde, who is serving a four-game ban following his red card against Real Betis. Despite the absence, Athletic Club still managed to create scoring opportunities, but Alavés' defense held strong to claim the win. This victory marks a significant milestone for Alavés, who have been working hard to climb the LaLiga table.

From any vantage point, Athletic Bilbao's coach, Ernesto Valverde, would have been unimpressed with his team's uninspiring first-half display against Osasuna at San Mames. The Basque rivals employed a solid defensive strategy, effectively neutralizing Athletic's attacking threat. The home fans had to wait until the 42nd minute for the game's first shot on target, with Mikel Jauregizar's long-range effort prompting Antonio Sivera to make a notable save.

The first half was characterized by Osasuna's strong defensive organization, limiting Athletic's scoring opportunities. Despite the efforts, Athletic Bilbao struggled to create clear chances, with Jauregizar's shot being a rare highlight in an otherwise dull first half.

Alavés manager Eduardo Coudet expressed his dissatisfaction with his team's first-half performance by making three substitutions at halftime, bringing in Lucas Boye, Toni Martinez, and Denis Suárez. The changes paid off just before the hour mark when Suárez's cross from the right took a deflection off Álex Berenguer, looping over the helpless Unai Simón and dropping in at the far post for an own goal.

The own goal proved to be the decisive factor in the match, giving Alavés a 1-0 lead and ultimately securing the win. Coudet's tactical adjustments seemed to energize his team, and the substitutions appeared to make a significant impact on the game's outcome.

FT: #AthleticAlavés 0-1

Derby winners, @Alaves triumphs in a thrilling matchup! 🦊#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/kZYoyEyyiO

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 13, 2025

Frustration mounted among the Athletic Bilbao fans as Iñaki Williams missed a golden opportunity to score a near-instant equalizer, heading the ball wide with a diving effort. Williams managed to find the target again with another header, but Antonio Sivera's quick reflexes denied him once more.

As the game entered its final stages, it became apparent that Athletic Bilbao was feeling the absence of Iñaki's brother, Nico Williams, who was sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during his international duty with Spain. The team struggled to find the creativity and spark that Nico often brings to the pitch, and their inability to capitalize on scoring chances ultimately cost them the match.

Alavés showcased impressive defensive discipline, keeping Athletic Bilbao at bay and securing their first clean sheet and away win of the season. Despite the loss, Athletic Bilbao maintained their second-place position in the standings, with only two points separating them from Alavés, who moved up to seventh place.

The victory marked a significant milestone for Alavés, who demonstrated their ability to adapt and respond to the challenges posed by Athletic Bilbao. With this win, Alavés gained valuable momentum and confidence, setting the stage for their upcoming matches.