Sports Desk, Aug 16 (EFE).- Athletic Club and Real Betis were held in their respective home matches as the LaLiga 2024-2025 soccer season kicked off Friday with two identical draws.
Athletic Club only managed a 1-1 draw at the San Mames stadium against Getafe, while Girona, who finished third in the last season came from behind to hold Betis by the same scoreline.
Oihan Sancet put Athletic in control in the 26th minute, whipping a curling effort past David Soria, but Getafe equalized when Chrisantus Uche scored a header from a corner in the second half.
Spanish European champion Nico Williams came to a standing ovation in the second half for Athletic to cause some trouble for the Getafe defense, but could not do enough to seal the three points for the Bilbao side.
Athletic Head Coach Ernesto Valverde believes the Lions’ were under par in their draw at San Mames.
“It wasn’t a good match for us. They were strong in the duels. We didn’t play at the right pace,” Valverde said after the match. “We were lucky enough to score the first goal in the first half, but when you don’t have control of the game, they can trouble you with any long ball. When we tried to react, it was too late.”
Athletic will now have a 10-day break before facing FC Barcelona at the Camp Nou in their next match.
A goal from center-back Marc Bartra, six minutes into the game, put Betis ahead in Benito Villamarin stadium, at halftime, but they were unable to finish off the game.
Girona improved in the second half and equalized after a play between two substitutes, youngster Iker Almena, who crossed the ball to put Dutchman Gabriel Misehouy through on goal to seal the draw. EFE
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