LaLiga: Athletic Edge Elche In Controversial 2-1 Win

Guruzeta scores dramatic late winner as Athletic Club beat Elche

Athletic Club secure 2-1 win over Elche with late penalty goal from Gorka Guruzeta, extending winning streak. Controversy surrounds Athletic's win over Elche, with VAR penalty decision sealing late Guruzeta winner.

Athletic got a penalty gift after a clumsy Pedro Bigas challenge...

Athletic Club secured a thrilling 2-1 win over Elche at San Mamés Stadium, extending their winning streak and putting European football back in sight. Gorka Guruzeta scored a brace, including a late penalty, to seal the victory for Ernesto Valverde's side.

The match was marked by controversy, with Elche's winless league run stretching to eight matches. Despite dominating possession, Elche struggled to create clear chances, and Athletic Club's resilience paid off in the end.

Athletic started firmly on the front foot and created a few good sightings of goal, the best of which fell to Gorka Guruzeta, who ought to have at least hit the target when he was left unmarked inside the area, but he could only fire over the bar.

As is so often the case, most of Athletic’s good early work was coming through Guruzeta, and he forced the game’s first shot on target when his volley from distance to round off a sweeping move forced Matias Dituro into a smart save.

Athletic was pushing for a goal, and Alejandro Rego's long-range strike looked like it'd hit the back of the net, but Dituro pulled off an incredible one-handed save.

Elche was really struggling, but Dituro was on fire, making crucial saves to keep them in the game, including a great stop on Inaki Williams' powerful shot just before HT. 

Pressure eventually told for the hosts when Yuri Berchiche burst down the wing and hammered a teasing delivery across the face of goal, which the grateful Guruzeta was on hand to tap in.

The game soon became shrouded in controversy though as a late challenge from Inigo Lekue on Tete Morente prompted the award of a penalty.

Andre Silva saw his initial spot kick ruled out due to a double touch – but rather than that error resulting in an indirect free-kick, Elche were allowed to retake the penalty, and this time Silva found the bottom corner to get the San Mames faithful truly seething in their seats.

Even with a burning sense of injustice, Athletic did precious little in the closing stages to get themselves back in front, with that incident clearly weighing heavy.

🔚 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘𝗘

Great win for Athletic. Thanks to Guruzeta's goal now have their sights set on European places.

3⃣ victories in a row in @LaLigaEN

🔥 GOAZEEEEEEEEEEN!! #AthleticElche #AthleticClub 🦁 pic.twitter.com/GgEhY4jnZe

— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 20, 2026

Athletic got a penalty gift after a clumsy Pedro Bigas challenge. Guruzeta stepped up and scored the late winner, sealing a dramatic 2-1 win and his side's first hat-trick of league wins since August.

Meanwhile, Elche's still in a tough spot, playing catch-up with rivals breathing down their neck.