Athletic Club – Sevilla: Athletic Comeback Condemns Sevilla To Third Defeat In A Row (2-1)

Sevilla started the game well, combining composure with a neat adjustment to their 4-1-4-1 shape to control the opening stages of the game. But unable to improve their advantage, Athletic's growing pressure and sloppy mistakes in buildup turned the game on its head.
Tactical analysis by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Athletic Club entered this matchup on a worrying run of form. Hovering above the relegation zone, the hosts have lost three of their last four league games. Of equal concern is their lack of goals, as they sit at the bottom of the scoring ranks in the division. As such, the Basque outfit hoped to claim a result here that could ignite their league campaign.

However, opponents Sevilla have not made an ideal start to their campaign too. Though they have bagged four points from their two Champions League games, back to back defeats in LaLiga have left the visitors lying in mid-table. But wins against the likes of Athletic Club would be vital for the 'dark horses' of the division to make the most of a season where the traditional giants have looked weak.

Gaizka Garitano chose to set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 shape. Hoping to inspire a reaction from the loss to Osasuna on the last matchday, he made three changes to the starting eleven too. Yuri Berchiche came in for Mikel Balenziaga at left back, while Oier Zarraga replaced Unai López in midfield, and Jon Morcillo deputized for winger Iker Muniain.

Julen Lopetegui set up the visitors in a 4-3-3 formation. The manager also made two changes to the side that sealed a 1-0 win in midweek against Rennes . . .