BILBAO, SPAIN — Pere Milla emerged as the unlikely hero at San Mamés, prodding home the decisive goal in the 52nd minute as fifth-placed Espanyol snatched a remarkable 1-2 victory over seventh-placed Athletic Club despite being thoroughly outplayed for large stretches. The visitors absorbed relentless pressure from the hosts, who dominated possession at 65.3%, yet Espanyol's clinical finishing and heroic goalkeeping proved the difference in a pulsating encounter.
The opening goal arrived in the 38th minute when Alex Berenguer rifled a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the middle of the net, rewarding Athletic Club's early dominance. The San Mamés faithful roared their approval as the Basque side appeared poised to capitalize on their territorial superiority. However, the lead lasted just six minutes. Carlos Romero stunned the home crowd in the 44th minute, curling a magnificent left-footed strike from outside the box into the bottom left corner following a set piece situation. The Espanyol left-back's technique was exquisite, leaving Unai Simón with no chance as the visitors headed into the break level against the run of play.
The second half began disastrously for Athletic Club. Just seven minutes after the restart, Tyrhys Dolan delivered a teasing cross from the right flank that found Pere Milla lurking at the far post. The Espanyol forward reacted quickest, stabbing his left-footed effort from very close range into the high centre of the goal to complete the turnaround. Athletic Club threw everything forward in search of an equalizer, with Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams probing relentlessly, but Espanyol's defensive resolve held firm.
The statistics told a story of dominance denied. Athletic Club controlled 65.3% of possession, pinning Espanyol back for long stretches and creating 17 shots compared to the visitors' 10. The hosts also won eight corners to Espanyol's four, yet they managed just seven shots on target. Espanyol goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic was called into action six times, producing crucial saves from Alex Berenguer, Alejandro Rego, and a spectacular stop to deny Kike García's long-range effort in the 82nd minute. The Serbian shot-stopper's performance epitomized Espanyol's counter-attacking masterclass.
The turning point came in those frantic seven minutes spanning halftime. Carlos Romero's spectacular equalizer shifted the momentum completely, and when Pere Milla struck early in the second half, Athletic Club's confidence visibly drained. The referee was busy throughout, brandishing seven cards in a feisty affair—five yellows to Athletic Club including late cautions for Alejandro Rego and Íñigo Lekue, and two to Espanyol with Urko González de Zárate and Clemens Riedel entering the book. The final ten minutes grew increasingly desperate as Andoni Gorosabel, Mikel Jauregizar, and substitute Gorka Guruzeta all pressed forward, but Espanyol's defensive organization never cracked.
Looking ahead, Athletic Club will travel to face Atalanta on January 21 in Matchday 7, seeking to bounce back from this frustrating defeat where they dominated possession and chances but left empty-handed.