Bilbao Athletic fell 2-1 to Unionistas de Salamanca at Estadio Reina Sofía, extending their winless run to four matches and dropping out of the Primera Federación play-off positions into 11th place. Goalkeeper Álex Daza made eight saves for the hosts, denying a dominant visiting side that traveled without regular contributors Christian Imga and Txus Vizcay.
Early Bilbao dominance thwarted by Daza
The visiting reserves started with strong initiative in Salamanca, controlling the opening ten minutes and forcing immediate saves from Daza against Selton and Beñat Izagirre. Hugo de Bustos and Adrián Pérez also tested the home defense before the game shifted on a penalty decision just before halftime. Referee Pablo Monterrubio whistled Eñaut Lete for tripping Unai Pastor inside the box. Álvaro Gómez converted the resulting 42nd-minute penalty past Mikel Santos to give Unionistas a 1-0 lead.
Bilbao Athletic equalizes and misses chances for lead
Bilbao Athletic struck back immediately after the interval. Just one minute into the second half, Lete combined with Oyono on a fast break, receiving a return pass at the top of the area and striking a first-time shot into the top corner. The visitors pressed for a second goal when Oyono earned a 53rd-minute penalty after drawing a foul, but Daza guessed correctly and tipped the attempt wide for a corner kick. Unai Larrea later hit the goalpost on the hour mark as the Bilbao side pressed for the lead.
Pau Ferrer secures the victory for Unionistas
Despite Bilbao’s sustained pressure, Unionistas capitalized on a rare second-half scoring chance in the 73rd minute. Álvaro Gómez delivered a cross that Pau Ferrer headed past Santos for a 2-1 advantage. Daza preserved the three points in the 87th minute with a diving stop against a cross-shot from Aritz Conde, securing the home win.
Anti-racism protocol activates during extended stoppage time
The match featured more than 15 minutes of stoppage time due to medical interventions, reviews, and disciplinary incidents. Near the end of the contest in the 91st minute, the referee activated the first phase of the anti-racism protocol after Bilbao player Ilyas reported an on-field slur by Unionistas player Álvaro Gómez. The match officials noted they did not hear the alleged remark directly, but stadium announcements were made before play resumed. During the extended period, Mikel Serrano was also shown a second yellow card and dismissed following a collision.
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