Nico Williams shines in Athletic's winning opener

Football rarely forgives, yet it can just as quickly redeem. Only weeks ago, Bilbao had turned on their No 10 when he appeared set to join Barcelona, pre-judging him for a betrayal that hadn't happened. But he stayed. He extended his contract until 2035, pledging his future to the Rojiblancos. On his opening day back at San Mames, Nico Williams delivered a masterclass, instantly silencing the doubters and winning back the San Mames crowd.
Athletic defeated Sevilla this Sunday in a match that initially seemed straightforward but quickly became a struggle. Nico himself hit the post, missing an opportunity to extend Athletic's lead. Athletic raced into a 2-0 lead: the first was a penalty he earned and converted after linking up with his brother Iñaki, and the second came from an assist for Maroan Sannadi. However, as Matías Almeyda's side came to life, they pulled it back to 2-2.
The Hispalenses returned home empty-handed, exhibiting their familiar defensive frailties and relying solely on the intermittent flashes of talent from their attacking trio of Ejuke, Idumbo, and Akor Adams. Fortunately for them, Dodi Lukebakio was in inspired form, showing the kind of class and authority that has too often been missing. He spearheaded their attempted comeback with a spectacular goal.
Unai Simón kept Athletic in the game during a harrowing ten-minute spell for his team. He made several crucial saves from shots by Ejuke and the Belgian, and though Agoume found the equaliser, Akor Adams also squandered his opportunities before Nico reappeared to bamboozle Kike Salas and set up debutant Robert Navarro for Ernesto Valverde's side to clinch a 3-2 victory. Three points to start the new season — and their No 10 firmly back in the fans’ good graces.