La Liga
8:00 PMFebruary 20, 2026
Regular Season – 25
Estadio de San Mamés
Referee: Alejandro Hernandez, Spain
Athletic Club
Elche
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3.19
Expected goals (xG)
0.82
Passing
264 (75%)
Accurate passes
337 (76%)
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1
G
Unai Simón
D
Yuri Berchiche
64′
14
D
Aymeric Laporte
3
D
Daniel Vivian
D
Íñigo Lekue
67′ Tripping
30
M
Alejandro Rego
16
M
Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta
9
M
Iñaki Williams (C)
8
M
Oihan Sancet
M
Unai Gómez
55′ FoulF
Gorka Guruzeta
64′
89′
1
G
Matías Dituro
D
Pedro Bigas (C)
88′ Foul
23
D
Víctor Chust
21
D
Léo Pétrot
8
M
Marc Aguado
11
M
Germán Valera
M
Aleix Febas
11′ Tripping
24
M
Lucas Cepeda
15
M
Tete Morente
20
F
Álvaro Rodriguez
La Liga Standings – Primera División
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Gorka Guruzeta netted a crucial late penalty, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Athletic Club against Elche at San Mamés.
Athletic Club secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Elche at the Estadio de San Mamés. Forward Gorka Guruzeta emerged as the hero, scoring a dramatic late penalty to seal all three points.
The hosts, Athletic Club, entered the match ninth in La Liga, aiming for European qualification. Elche, in 16th position, desperately sought points to avoid the relegation zone.
The first half saw Athletic Club dominate possession and create chances. Elche displayed a disciplined defensive setup, largely limiting opportunities. Elche defender A. Febas received an early yellow card in the 11th minute.
Athletic pressed relentlessly, registering more shots. Elche goalkeeper Matías Dituro proved vital, making crucial saves. Elche’s L. Cepeda also saw yellow in first-half stoppage time.
The break offered Athletic a chance to recalibrate their approach against a stubborn Elche defense. Manager Ernesto Valverde would have pushed for greater penetration.
The second half began with continued Athletic pressure. The deadlock finally broke in the 64th minute. Gorka Guruzeta finished a well-worked move, assisted by Yuri Berchiche, sending the home crowd wild.
Elche responded immediately. Just four minutes later, in the 68th minute, Andre Silva calmly converted a penalty to draw the visitors level, silencing the San Mamés faithful.
With the match heading towards a draw, Athletic pushed hard for a winner. The crucial moment arrived in the 89th minute. Elche’s P. Bigas fouled in the box, conceding a decisive penalty.
Gorka Guruzeta stepped up confidently. He clinically dispatched his second goal of the night, securing a dramatic late lead for Athletic Club.
Athletic Club’s attacking superiority was clear, with an xG of 3.19 compared to Elche’s 0.82. The hosts unleashed 18 shots (8 on target), but faced a heroic Matías Dituro who made 6 saves. Elche only managed 2 shots.
This dramatic victory allows Athletic Club to consolidate their position in La Liga. For Elche, the late concession leaves them disheartened and deeper in the fight to avoid relegation.