Sancet's Spot-Kick Seals Athletic's Perfect Start

Average Futmetrix Score: 41/100. A narrow but vital win for Athletic Club, who extend their flawless campaign against a Rayo Vallecano side that dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge when it mattered.

VAR confirms, Sancet delivers

This six-pointer hinged on a controversial VAR intervention in the 64th minute. Oihan Sancet, introduced at the interval, showed ice-cold composure from the penalty spot two minutes later to seal Athletic Club's second consecutive victory. That clinical finish proved decisive in a match defined by defensive Intensity over attacking fireworks—exactly what the stakes demanded.

Defensive masterclass overshadows possession battle

The Athletic Club backline was imperious. Jesús Areso orchestrated a man-of-the-match display with 1 key pass that threaded the attacking line, while Nico Williams crafted 2 dangerous passes from midfield to sustain the creative threat. Athletic fired 11 shots with 4 finding the target, demonstrating ruthless efficiency. Rayo Vallecano, despite controlling 59% possession and completing 498 passes, mustered just 1 shot on target and an xG of 0.29—a damning indictment of their toothless attacking play. The visitors' four yellow cards painted a picture of frustration.

Balance tilted, title race implications

Athletic now sits at 6 points from 2 games with a perfect record intact. Rayo tumbles to 8th with 3 points, their early-season hopes already dented. This wasn't a spectacle—it was a statement. Athletic's ability to grind out results through defensive Balance and penalty-box efficiency marks them as genuine contenders. Rayo's upset factor evaporated the moment Sancet stepped up to the spot.