Valverde's 500th Match: Athletic Club Stuns Alavés 4-2 in Thrilling Derby Comeback

Key facts

• Ernesto Valverde reached 500 matches as Athletic Club head coach.
• Athletic Club defeated Deportivo Alavés 4-2 on May 2, 2026, at Mendizorroza.
• Attendance was 19,125.
• Robert Navarro equalized in the 47th minute, his eighth goal of the season.
• Nico Williams scored twice (83rd and 87th minutes).
• Oihan Sancet scored a stunning goal in the 74th minute.
• Antonio Blanco scored an early goal for Alavés.
• Nahuel Tenaglia put Alavés back in front from a corner before Sancet's goal.

A Manager's Milestone and a Dramatic Turnaround

Ernesto Valverde reached 500 matches as Athletic Club head coach on Saturday, and his team celebrated with a memorable 4-2 comeback victory over Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza. The win, played in front of 19,125 spectators, keeps Athletic in contention for European places with four games remaining. Valverde, who has previously secured Champions League qualification twice, described this victory as lacking the glamour of those achievements but called it fitting and well-deserved for the occasion. The result also provided relief for the club, securing survival and maintaining their fight for Europe.

First-Half Struggles and a Controversial Penalty Overturned

Athletic started poorly, conceding an early goal to Antonio Blanco that put them on the back foot. Despite being well-organized, they struggled to contain Alavés, who capitalized on a defensive error to double their lead through Nahuel Tenaglia from a corner. A moment of tension arose when a harsh penalty was awarded against Athletic, but VAR overturned the decision for offside, keeping the deficit at 2-0. The first half ended with Athletic trailing and needing a spark.

Triple Substitution Ignites the Comeback

Valverde made a triple substitution at halftime, bringing on Robert Navarro, Oihan Sancet, and Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta. The move transformed the match. Navarro equalized in the 47th minute with his first touch of the ball, scoring his eighth goal of the season. Sancet then produced a stunning goal in the 74th minute, canceling out Tenaglia's earlier strike and leveling the score at 2-2. His thunderbolt, fired into the same net where he scored a memorable goal last season, opened the floodgates for Athletic.

Nico Williams Seals the Victory with a Brace

Nico Williams took center stage in the final minutes, scoring twice in quick succession. His first goal came in the 83rd minute, followed by another in the 87th, both set up by passes from Gorka Guruzeta. The younger Williams brother displayed quality touches to finish off two brilliant moves. The entire Athletic bench rushed onto the pitch to celebrate, and Valverde raised his arms wide in a gesture of victory. The match also held special significance as it was a day for mothers, who watched their sons play with pride while wearing their names on their shirts.

Key Incidents and Discipline

The match saw several key incidents beyond the goals. Carles Aleñá of Alavés received a yellow card for a bad foul. Robert Navarro was also involved in a foul that gave Alavés a free kick. Alavés had a corner late in the game, but Aymeric Laporte cleared the danger. Abde Rebbach was caught offside for Alavés, ending a promising attack. Athletic's Jesús Areso won a free kick in the defensive half, helping to relieve pressure as the match wound down.

Context and Stakes for the Season

The victory comes at a crucial point in the season, with Athletic fighting for European qualification. The win ensures they remain in contention with four fixtures left, providing a boost after a difficult campaign. Valverde's 500th match milestone adds to the significance of the result. For Alavés, the defeat is a setback as they look to secure their own objectives. The derby atmosphere at Mendizorroza added intensity, but Athletic's second-half performance proved decisive.

Outlook and Remaining Fixtures

Athletic will look to build on this momentum as they approach the final four matches. The team's ability to turn around a two-goal deficit against a rival bodes well for their European aspirations. Valverde will hope that the triple substitution formula can be replicated in future games. Alavés, meanwhile, must regroup after letting a lead slip. The match exposed defensive vulnerabilities that they will need to address. With the season entering its final stretch, every point is vital for both sides.

The bottom line

• Ernesto Valverde's 500th match as Athletic head coach ended with a 4-2 comeback win over Alavés.
• A triple substitution at halftime turned the game around, with Robert Navarro scoring immediately.
• Oihan Sancet's stunning goal in the 74th minute leveled the score and sparked the victory.
• Nico Williams scored twice in the final minutes to seal the win.
• The result keeps Athletic in the fight for European places with four games remaining.
• VAR overturned a penalty against Athletic, a key moment in the match.