In an intense La Liga season opener, Athletic Club and Getafe CF battled to a 1-1 draw at San Mamés on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Despite Oihan Sancet’s first-half wonder goal that put the Lions in the lead, Getafe’s Chrisantus Uche equalized with a powerful header, leaving both teams sharing the points.
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Sancet’s Moment of Brilliance
Athletic Club started strong, with Sancet opening the scoring in the 26th minute. The young midfielder received the ball on the edge of the box, took a composed touch, and curled a beautiful shot past Getafe’s goalkeeper, David Soria. The home crowd at San Mamés, consisting of 47,845 passionate fans, erupted in celebration as the Lions took control of the game.
Getafe’s Resilient Response
However, Getafe CF, under the guidance of José Bordalás, was determined not to leave empty-handed. The Madrid-based team started the second half with renewed vigor, putting pressure on Athletic’s defense. Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Chrisantus Uche rose highest to meet a corner, directing his header into the net, leveling the score.
Athletic’s Frustration in the Final Minutes
Athletic Club tried to reclaim the lead, with Nico Williams making an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute. His long-range effort forced an impressive save from Soria, who kept Getafe in the game. Despite the Lions’ relentless pressure, Getafe’s defense held firm, and the game ended in a frustrating stalemate for the home side.
Match Overview and Key Moments
First Half:
- 26th Minute: Athletic Club took the lead when Oihan Sancet fired a curling shot from the edge of the box, beating David Soria to make it 1-0.
- 45+2 Minute: Getafe’s persistence nearly paid off, but the post denied Peter Federico’s effort.
Second Half:
- 64th Minute: Getafe responded with Chrisantus Uche heading in from a corner, leveling the score.
- 90+4 Minute: Athletic Club almost snatched a win, but Yuri Berchiche’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Soria.
Starting Lineups and Substitutes
Athletic Club Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Alex Padilla
- Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel (81’ Dani Vivian), Yeray Álvarez, Aitor Paredes (81’ Íñigo Lekue), Yuri Berchiche
- Midfielders: Beñat Prados (57’ Ander Herrera), Mikel Vesga (57’ Unai Gómez), Oihan Sancet
- Forwards: Iñaki Williams, Alex Berenguer (72’ Nico Williams), Gorka Guruzeta
Substitutes:
- Dani Vivian (81’)
- Íñigo Lekue (81’)
- Ander Herrera (57’)
- Unai Gómez (57’)
- Nico Williams (72’)
Getafe CF Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: David Soria
- Defenders: Djene Dakonam, Omar Alderete, Luis Milla, Diego Rico
- Midfielders: Mauro Arambarri (40’ Carles Aleñá), Christantus Uche, Álex Sola (79’ Yellu Santiago)
- Forwards: Nabil Aberdin, Carles Pérez (46’ Peter Federico)
Substitutes:
- Carles Aleñá (40’)
- Peter Federico (46’)
- Yellu Santiago (79’)
Match Statistics
- Possession: Athletic Club 54% – 46% Getafe CF
- Shots: Athletic Club 13 – 9 Getafe CF
- Shots on Target: Athletic Club 6 – 4 Getafe CF
- Corners: Athletic Club 8 – 5 Getafe CF
- Fouls: Athletic Club 16 – 14 Getafe CF
- Yellow Cards: Athletic Club 4 – 2 Getafe CF
- Pass Accuracy: Athletic Club 81% – 79% Getafe CF
Post-Match Analysis
Athletic Club started brightly, controlling possession and creating several chances, especially after Sancet’s goal. However, Getafe’s tactical discipline and resilience, especially in the second half, paid off. Alex Padilla, making his debut for Athletic, put in an impressive performance, saving multiple attempts, including a crucial one-on-one against Carles Aleñá. Despite the flurry of late attacks, Athletic couldn’t find the winner, leaving both teams to settle for a draw.
La Liga 2024 – 2025 Points Table
Check the below-mentioned table for La Liga 2024 – 2025.
| La Liga 2024 Points Table | GP | W | D | L | F | A | GD | P |
| Girona | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Getafe | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Real Betis | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Athletic Club | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Alavés | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Atlético Madrid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Barcelona | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Celta Vigo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Espanyol | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Las Palmas | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Leganés | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mallorca | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Osasuna | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rayo Vallecano | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Madrid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Sociedad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Real Valladolid | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sevilla | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Valencia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Villarreal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Looking Ahead
Athletic Club will look to regroup during their 10-day break before facing a stern test against FC Barcelona. Meanwhile, Getafe can be satisfied with their hard-earned point away from home, setting a solid foundation for the rest of their La Liga campaign.
