Atlético Madrid beats Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in LaLiga clash, prepares for Arsenal Champions League test

Atlético Madrid secured a 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with goals from Antoine Griezmann and two from Alexander Sørloth, overcoming an early header from Athletic’s Paredes. The win ends Atlético’s winless LaLiga streak dating back to March 14 and provides momentum ahead of their Champions League semifinal clash with Arsenal.

The match began poorly for the home side as Athletic took an early lead. Just two minutes in, a corner kick found Paredes unmarked at the far post, and his powerful header beat Jan Oblak despite the Slovenian goalkeeper’s late reaction. The goal highlighted Atlético’s vulnerability from set pieces, a recurring issue that has plagued them throughout the season.

Atlético struggled to find rhythm in the first half, playing with a leisurely and predictable tempo that allowed Athletic to control proceedings. The visitors came closest to doubling their lead when a miscommunication in Atlético’s defense led to a chance for Guruzeta, but Oblak recovered well to create the save.

The turning point came just before halftime when Griezmann leveled the score. After sustained pressure, the French forward pounced on a loose ball inside the box and fired past Unai Simón to make it 1-1. The goal showcased Griezmann’s knack for scoring against Athletic, continuing his strong record against the Basque club.

Early in the second half, Atlético took the lead for the first time. Sørloth capitalized on a defensive lapse by Athletic, latching onto a through play to slot home his first goal of the match. The Norwegian striker appeared to pick up a minor injury during the celebration but later confirmed it was only a cramp.

Atlético extended their lead to 3-1 shortly after when Sørloth completed his brace. The striker reacted quickest to a rebound in the six-yard box after an initial shot was blocked, guiding the ball past Simón for his second. The goal came amid sustained Atlético pressure as they looked to break down a resilient Athletic defense.

Athletic refused to give up and pulled one back in stoppage time. Guruzeta headed home from close range after a scramble in the Atlético box, setting up a tense finale. Still, Atlético held on to secure all three points, with the final whistle blowing on a 3-2 victory.

The result represents Atlético’s first LaLiga win in over five weeks, ending a frustrating run that included just one victory in their last eight matches across all competitions. Their previous LaLiga success came against Alavés on March 14 before a series of draws and losses left them needing a response.

More importantly, the win provides crucial confidence ahead of Atlético’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal at Metropolitano Stadium. The team had lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona just days earlier, adding to the pressure on manager Diego Simeone to deliver results in Europe’s premier club competition.

Sørloth’s performance was particularly significant after his missed chances earlier in the match. The striker had wasted a one-on-one opportunity by hesitating before shooting and later misjudged a header from a Giuliano Simeone cross. His two goals ultimately proved decisive in securing the victory.

For Athletic, the loss continues their inconsistent season as they fight for European qualification through LaLiga. Despite taking an early lead and creating chances, they were unable to maintain their advantage against a determined Atlético side fighting for their season.

The match highlighted Atlético’s ongoing struggles with defensive organization, particularly from set pieces, while showcasing their resilience and ability to grind out results when needed. As they turn their focus to the Arsenal tie, Atlético will need to address their defensive frailties while relying on their proven goal scorers to deliver in high-stakes matches.

Atlético Madrid will now prepare for their Champions League semifinal first leg against Arsenal, scheduled for the coming week at Metropolitano Stadium. The winner of that tie will advance to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Barcelona in the final.

For continued coverage of Atlético Madrid’s Champions League push and LaLiga campaign, follow updates from official club channels and trusted sports news sources.

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