Athletic Club vs Espanyol Player Ratings: Romero & Milla Deliver Under Pressure in Dramatic 2-1 Away Victory

Athletic Club looked to be in control after Álex Berenguer fired them ahead in the first half. They were playing with confidence, and the home crowd was behind them. But Espanyol had other ideas. They didn't let their heads drop. Instead, they hit back with a stunning equalizer from Carlos Romero just before halftime, completely changing the team's talk. It was a sucker punch that Athletic Club never really recovered from.

What really stood out was how Espanyol came out for the second half with renewed confidence. That belief paid off almost immediately. Pere Milla found the back of the net, sealing a famous comeback victory. Despite Athletic Club's relentless pressure for the rest of the match, they just couldn't break down a resolute visiting defense, thanks in large part to a heroic goalkeeping display. Here are Sportsdunia's Athletic Club vs Espanyol player ratings.

Athletic Club Player Ratings vs Espanyol

Check out the Athletic Club player ratings for the Athletic Club vs Espanyol fixture.

Goalkeeper

Unai Simón - 6.0: A mixed bag for the Spanish international. He made a couple of decent saves, including a notable one against Fernando Calero's header. However, he was beaten twice. He perhaps could've done better for Romero's long-range effort. It wasn't his worst day, but he couldn't be the hero his team needed.

Defenders

Andoni Gorosabel - 6.0: He was active in the first half, pushing forward and even testing the keeper once. However, he picked up a needless yellow card just before halftime. Defensively, he was caught out a few times and was eventually substituted. An average performance at best.

Aitor Paredes - 6.5: He was probably the best of a bad bunch in defense. He was comfortable on the ball, with a 90% pass accuracy, and made seven clearances. He tried to get his team moving forward. Still, he was part of a defense that conceded two goals at home, which is never a good look.

Iñigo Lekue - 5.0: A really poor performance from Lekue. He was clumsy, making an error that led to a shot and picking up a yellow card. He lost six of his eight duels, which tells its own story. He just seemed off the pace all game and was a clear weak link in the backline.

Adama Boiro - 4.0: We noticed he had a torrid time. It's tough to give a low rating but his direct error leading to Espanyol's second goal was the defining moment of the match. He was dribbled past three times and just couldn't handle the pressure. A day to forget for the young defender.

Midfielders

Álex Berenguer - 7.5: The one shining light for Athletic Club. He took his goal really well, showing great composure to put his team ahead. He was a constant threat, registering three shots on target and always looking to make something happen. It's a shame his teammates couldn't match his level.

Oihan Sancet - 5.5: From our perspective, he was largely anonymous. For a player of his quality, he offered very little creativity and lost the majority of his duels. He committed four fouls, showing his frustration. We expected much more from him in such a crucial game.

Nico Williams - 6.0: He had some bright moments in the first half and created a big chance. However, his influence faded, and he picked up a yellow card for a silly foul. He was substituted early in the second half, which summed up his frustrating evening.

Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta - 5.5: Looked a bit lost in the midfield battle. He gave away possession far too often and was booked for a cynical foul. He was hooked after just 57 minutes as the manager looked for a way back into the game. Not his finest hour.

Mikel Jauregizar - 6.5: A hard-working performance, but with little end product. He got through a lot of defensive work, making three tackles and recovering the ball five times. However, he struggled to impose himself on the game going forward. A decent effort, but not enough.

Forwards

Iñaki Williams - 6.0: The captain had a very quiet game by his standards. He had one shot on target but was otherwise well-marshalled by the Espanyol defense. He failed to inspire his team when they went behind and was eventually substituted. A disappointing outing.

Manager

E. Valverde - 5.0: His team took the lead but then completely collapsed. The inability to react after conceding the equalizer was worrying. His substitutions failed to change the course of the match, and tactically, his side was outsmarted by their opponents. A poor day at the office for the experienced coach.

Espanyol Player Ratings vs Athletic Club

Check out the Espanyol player ratings for the Athletic Club vs Espanyol fixture.

Goalkeeper

Manuel Iori - 8.5: What a performance. He was an absolute wall. He made six crucial saves, five of them from inside the box, to deny Athletic Club time and again. His command of the area was exceptional, and his saves in the second half won his team the three points.

Defenders

Fernando Calero - 7.0: A rock at the back. He made a staggering eight clearances and was dominant in his duels. He even forced a good save with a header in the first half. A proper old-school defensive display was key to the victory.

Leandro Cabrera - 7.0: The captain led by example. He was just as solid as his partner, making nine clearances and winning most of his aerial battles. He organized the backline brilliantly, especially under the heavy pressure in the final 20 minutes.

Carlos Romero - 8.0: What a game from the defender. He scored a fantastic goal from distance to bring his team level at a crucial time. But he didn't stop there; he was also immense defensively, making five tackles. An all-action display that he can be very proud of.

Omar El Hilali - 7.5: He had the measure of his opponents all evening. He was brilliant in one-on-one situations, winning seven of his ten duels and making four tackles. He was disciplined and offered great protection on the right flank.

Midfielders

Urko González de Zárate - 6.5: He did the dirty work in midfield effectively. He made four tackles and was constantly breaking up play. His passing could have been better, and he picked up a yellow card, but his energy was vital for the team's balance.

Edu Expósito - 8.0: The creative genius for Espanyol. He was at the heart of everything good, creating an incredible five chances for his teammates. His vision and range of passing were a joy to watch. He completely ran the midfield and was a key reason for the comeback.

Pol Lozano - 6.5: A tidy and composed performance in the middle of the park. He kept the ball moving with an 83% pass accuracy and drew three fouls to relieve pressure. He played his part before being substituted in the second half.

Pere Milla - 7.5: He was the match-winner. He showed great instincts to be in the right place at the right time to score the crucial second goal. He only played 57 minutes, but his contribution was decisive.

Tyrhys Dolan - 7.5: Provided the crucial assist for Milla's winner with a perfect cross. He was incredibly efficient on the ball, with a 94% pass accuracy. He also worked tirelessly off the ball, contributing with five tackles.

Forwards

Roberto Fernández - 6.5: He didn't get on the scoresheet, but he worked his socks off for the team. He was a physical presence upfront, holding up the ball and bringing others into play. His six ball recoveries show his commitment to the team's defensive effort from the front.

Manager

J. González Álvarez - 8.0: From our perspective, he got his tactics spot on. To go to a place like San Mamés Barria and mastermind a comeback victory is no small feat. His team showed incredible character and belief, and his game management was perfect. He deserves a huge amount of credit for this win.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match Goes to Manuel Iori