Nico Williams double fires Athletic Club past Alavés in six-goal thriller

Key facts

• Nico Williams scored twice (83', 87') to seal Athletic Club's 4-2 win.
• Alavés remain 17th with 36 points, two points above the relegation zone.
• Athletic Club sit 8th with 44 points, three points behind sixth-placed Getafe.
• Attendance at Mendizorroza was 19,125.
• Alavés have won only nine of 52 meetings against Athletic Club.
• Athletic Club are unbeaten away to Alavés since October 2020.
• Alavés' Carles Aleñá received a yellow card for a bad foul.

Lede: A dramatic comeback keeps Athletic's European dream alive

Nico Williams scored twice in the final seven minutes to snatch a 4-2 victory for Athletic Club at Mendizorroza on Saturday, dealing a potentially fatal blow to Alavés' survival hopes. The win lifts Athletic to eighth place with 44 points, while Alavés remain 17th with 36 points, just two points above the relegation zone. The match swung wildly in the second half after a goalless first 45 minutes. Alavés took the lead through Robert Navarro in the 46th minute, but Athletic responded with four goals, including a brace from Nico Williams in the 83rd and 87th minutes.

Second-half fireworks decide a tense Basque derby

The game exploded into life after the interval. Alavés struck first when Robert Navarro found the net just 46 seconds into the second half, sending the home crowd into raptures. But Athletic Club, managed by Ernesto Valverde, refused to buckle. Iñaki Williams and Gómez turned the tide before Nico Williams delivered the decisive blows. The younger Williams first equalised in the 83rd minute, then put Athletic ahead for good four minutes later. Aymeric Laporte also contributed in defence, conceding a corner but helping to repel Alavés' late pressure.

Alavés' survival fight hits a critical juncture

Alavés, managed by Quique Sánchez Flores, entered the match on a relatively strong run, having lost only one of their previous six league games. Their 2-1 win over Mallorca last time out had moved them into 16th, but this defeat drops them back into the danger zone. With four matches remaining against Elche, Barcelona, Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano, Alavés face a daunting run-in. Their home form has been solid – 24 points from 16 matches at Mendizorroza – but they have historically struggled against Athletic, winning only nine of 52 meetings.

Athletic Club's European hopes hang in the balance

For Athletic Club, the victory keeps alive their slim chance of qualifying for European competition. They are now three points behind sixth-placed Getafe, who occupy the final UEFA Conference League qualifying spot. A top-six finish would guarantee European football for the 2026-27 campaign. However, Athletic have been inconsistent, losing five of their last seven league matches before this win. Their 3-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid on April 25 had raised questions about their ability to finish strongly. Valverde's side finished fourth last season but have struggled to replicate that form, currently sitting 10th with 41 points before this round.

Team news and injuries shape the contest

Alavés were without striker Lucas Boyé due to a hamstring injury, while midfielder Carlos Protesoni underwent a late fitness test but was ultimately unavailable. The absences limited Sánchez Flores' attacking options, though Abde Rebbach started and was caught offside late in the match. Athletic Club fielded a strong lineup including Iñaki Williams, Gómez, and Nico Williams, as well as defender Aymeric Laporte. The visitors' depth proved decisive in the second half, with substitutes making an impact.

Outlook: Two clubs at a crossroads with everything to play for

The result leaves both clubs with clear objectives for the final weeks of the season. Alavés must quickly regroup to avoid being dragged into the relegation zone, with Sevilla just two points behind in 18th. Their upcoming fixtures include a trip to Barcelona, which could prove pivotal. For Athletic Club, the path to Europe requires continued improvement after a disappointing campaign. They have the quality to challenge for a Conference League spot, but must address their inconsistency. The win at Mendizorroza provides momentum, but Valverde's side cannot afford another slump.

The bottom line

• Nico Williams' double in the 83rd and 87th minutes secured Athletic Club's 4-2 win over Alavés.
• Alavés remain 17th with 36 points, two points above the relegation zone with four games left.
• Athletic Club sit 8th with 44 points, three points behind sixth-placed Getafe in the race for Europe.
• Alavés have won only nine of 52 meetings against Athletic Club, highlighting the historical disparity.
• Athletic Club are unbeaten away to Alavés since October 2020, a run now stretching over five years.
• Alavés face a tough run-in against Elche, Barcelona, Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano.