Sestao 0-2 Athletic Club – International Club Friendly

Athletic Club kicked off their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 2-0 win over local neighbours Sestao at the Campo de Las Llanas on 23 July 2026. The first-team regulars were given a run-out, and the Basque derby served as a perfect test of fitness and cohesion.

Match Overview

Despite the friendly nature of the encounter, the intensity was high from the start. Athletic Club, fielding a mix of experienced players and academy prospects, controlled possession throughout. Sestao, a Segunda División B side, defended resolutely for long periods but could not hold out against the superior quality of their top-flight opponents.

Key Moments

• 25th minute: Athletic Club took the lead after a quick passing move. Winger Álex Berenguer cut inside and played a one-two with Oihan Sancet, before slotting the ball into the far corner.
• 68th minute: Substitute Gorka Guruzeta doubled the advantage. A deflected cross fell to him at the back post, and he made no mistake from close range.

Tactical Observations

Manager Ernesto Valverde used the match to experiment with a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing wide play and overlapping full-backs. The midfield trio of Benat Prados, Mikel Vesga, and Unai Gomez dominated the centre of the park. Sestao attempted to hit on the counter but lacked the pace to trouble Athletic’s rearguard.

Standout Players

• Álex Berenguer (Athletic Club) – Scored the opener and showed sharp movement.
• Oihan Sancet (Athletic Club) – Pulled the strings in the final third.
• Jon Muniain (Athletic Club) – Came off the bench to add creativity.

Pre-Season Context

This result continues Athletic Club’s tradition of facing lower-tier Basque sides in early friendlies. The clean sheet will please Valverde, while Sestao can take encouragement from their defensive organization against a La Liga outfit. Athletic next face a more challenging test in their upcoming pre-season tour.