Athletic Club 0-1 Deportivo Alaves Player Ratings: Antonio Blanco Rated 8.5/10 as Berenguer Own Goal Decides a Tense Affair

The match at San Mames took an unexpected turn, surprising fans across Spain and beyond. Deportivo Alaves, a team often stuck in mid-table struggles, pulled off a stunning victory against the home side, Athletic Club. While the stats might suggest Athletic were the stronger side, those who watched the game know Alaves won through sheer teamwork, outshining individual efforts and proving that unity can win over star power.
Alaves, under E. Coudet, had their game plan nailed down. They sat deep, absorbed wave after wave of pressure, and just waited for their moment. They got it through a huge slice of luck. This La Liga clash wasn't pretty, full of fouls and stoppages, but it was a tactical victory for the visitors in this match.

Athletic Club Player Ratings vs Deportivo Alaves

Here are Athletic Club Player Ratings vs Deportivo Alaves

Goalkeeper

Unai Simón - 6.5: He really didn't have much to do for long stretches of the game. He made one notable save from a distance shot but was a spectator for the most part. There was absolutely nothing he could do about the fluke own goal. A deeply frustrating afternoon for the Spanish international.

Defenders

Dani Vivian - 6.0: A really mixed performance from Vivian. He made a few crucial clearances that snuffed out danger but also looked surprisingly vulnerable at other times. Being dribbled past twice is not something you expect from him. He battled hard but it wasn't his best day.

Aitor Paredes - 6.0: Much like his defensive partner, he was neat and tidy on the ball, moving it forward well. However, he got caught out positionally once or twice and earned a yellow card for a clumsy challenge. He made 7 clearances but it was a tough day against a physical frontline.

Jesús Areso - 6.5: We noticed he was a willing runner, constantly trying to get forward and whip crosses in. He won a remarkable 11 duels, showing his combative side. The downside was losing the ball 21 times, which killed some of his team's momentum.

Yuri Berchiche - 7.0: Probably one of Athletic's better performers on the day. He was a constant outlet on the left, with over 100 touches of the ball. He was solid defensively, making 3 interceptions and winning most of his duels. He tried to drive his team forward but it wasn't enough.

Midfielders

Álex Berenguer - 5.0: A nightmare game for the winger. Scoring the decisive own goal is something that will haunt him. To his credit, he didn't hide afterwards, he kept trying to make things happen and even created a big chance. But ultimately, that one moment defined the entire match.

Oihan Sancet - 6.0: Disappointingly quiet from a player of his talent. He floated around the pitch but never really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. From our perspective, he seemed unable to find the space he usually thrives in before being substituted.

Iñaki Williams - 5.5: The captain will be kicking himself. He missed a glorious chance, a header he should have buried. His pace was a threat as always, but his final product was lacking. You could see the frustration on his face as the game went on.

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta - 6.5: A proper midfield battle from him. He won an incredible 11 duels in just 59 minutes, showing his tenacity. His booking was almost inevitable given his all-action style. He put in a real shift before being taken off.

Mikel Jauregizar - 7.0: He looked like the most likely player to create something for Athletic. He wasn't afraid to shoot from distance, forcing a good save, and was a bundle of energy. Recovering the ball 9 times shows his work rate off the ball.

Forwards

Gorka Guruzeta - 5.5: It was a thankless task for him up front. He was isolated and well-marshalled by the Alavés defense. He had a few half-chances but couldn't convert. He fought for everything but was often outmuscled and ineffective.

Substitutes

Mikel Vesga - 6.0: Came on to add some midfield stability but couldn't unlock the stubborn Alavés defence.

Maroan Sannadi - 5.5: Had a difficult time after coming on, getting booked and struggling to make an impact.

Robert Navarro - 6.5: Looked bright and created an excellent chance for Williams with a great cross.

Nico Serrano - N/A: Not on long enough to warrant a rating.

Urko Izeta - N/A: Brought on late, got booked, and that was about it.

Manager

E. Valverde - 5.5: His team had 70% possession and did nothing with it. He seemed to have no answer for Alavés's low block. The substitutions felt like throwing darts at a board hoping one would stick. A frustrating tactical defeat for the veteran manager.

Deportivo Alaves Player Ratings vs Athletic Club

Here are Deportivo Alaves Player Ratings vs Athletic Club

Goalkeeper

Antonio Sivera - 8.0: What a commanding display. He made crucial saves when called upon, especially one from a point-blank header in the second half. He was confident claiming crosses and punching clear. A well-deserved clean sheet and a key figure in the victory.

Defenders

Facundo Garcés - 7.0: A classic, no-nonsense defender's performance. He made 7 clearances and put his body on the line with two blocked shots. He just did his job effectively without any fuss. Exactly what was needed.

Nahuel Tenaglia - 7.5: A warrior's performance. He picked up a yellow card but that didn't stop him from throwing himself into challenges. He was a rock at the back, making 7 clearances and blocking shots. He embodied the fighting spirit of his team.

Jonny Otto - 7.5: What stood out to us was his incredible defensive reading of the game. He made 7 clearances and 3 interceptions, consistently being in the right place at the right time. He was almost unbeatable in his duels. A brilliant defensive shift.

Moussa Diarra - 7.0: Physically dominant. He won 80% of his aerial duels, giving the Athletic forwards a really tough time. He was a colossal presence at the back before being subbed off late on to a well-earned rest.

Midfielders

Carlos Vicente - 6.0: He ran his socks off in the first half but offered little in an attacking sense. He was sacrificed at half-time for a more physical presence. A selfless, if unspectacular, performance.

Antonio Blanco - 8.5: Our Man of the Match. An absolute monster in the middle of the park. He won 8 duels, made 5 tackles, and 5 clearances. He completely shielded his back four and broke up play relentlessly. A true captain's performance and the highest-rated player on the pitch.

Carles Aleñá - 6.0: Kept the ball moving when he had it but struggled to make a decisive impact. He did his defensive work diligently which was the priority. A functional rather than flashy performance before he was substituted.

Jon Guridi - 5.5: It just wasn't his day. He struggled to get into the rhythm of the game and lost most of his physical battles. It was no surprise to see him withdrawn at half-time.

Pablo Ibáñez - 6.5: A bundle of energy and chaos. He recovered the ball 9 times which was fantastic, but also lost it 19 times. You love the work rate but he needs to add a little more composure to his game.

Forwards

Mariano Díaz - 5.0: A disastrous 45 minutes. He won just 4 of his 14 duels, gave away silly fouls, and got himself booked. He offered nothing up front and was rightly hooked at the break. A performance to forget.

Substitutes

Lucas Boyé - 7.0: His introduction at half-time was key. He provided a physical presence, held the ball up, and gave his team an outlet to relieve pressure.

Toni Martínez - 7.0: Like Boyé, he made a real difference. He was a nuisance, drew fouls, and even forced a save from the keeper. A very effective substitution.

Jon Pacheco - 6.5: Brought on to see the game out and he did his job perfectly, adding another body to the defensive wall.

Victor Parada - N/A: A late cameo to run down the clock.

Manager

E. Coudet - 8.0: A tactical masterclass in defensive organization and pragmatism. He knew his team's strengths and set them up perfectly to frustrate Athletic. His half-time changes were inspired and turned the tide. He'll be absolutely delighted with this gritty win.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Antonio Blanco