Los Nicos Lead Bilbao Athletic To Penalty Shootout Win Over Sodupe
Nico Williams scored in the 90th minute to send the game to penalties (AC)
Bilbao Athletic’s trip to Sodupe on Saturday ended in thrilling fashion. Competing in the annual Beitia Memorial at Hurtado de Saratxo, the Kumeak won in penalties to secure the team’s third victory of the preseason. Five games into the summer schedule and Joseba Etxeberria’s side looks prepared to start the season.
Nico Serrano opened up the scoring just two minutes into the game. Bilbao Athletic were in command but conceded an equalizer just after the half hour mark. Sodupe then took the lead in the 54th minute and looked capable of holding it until the end.
Just before the final whistle Nico Williams scored to pull the Kumeak level. The match then went into penalties with Williams, Álvaro Núñez, and Imanol García de Albéniz all finding the back of the net from the spot to give Bilbao Athletic the win.
As has been the case throughout the entire preseason, Nico Serrano and Nico Williams were two of the best players on the pitch. Los Nicos, as they have been nicknamed, have scored four of the team’s five goals so far this summer and are proving they deserve key roles this season.
Bilbao Athletic travel to Portugalete on Wednesday for another friendly. Just three games remain before the team kicks off the season on 18 October with a visit to Arenas Club.