Athletic Bilbao
Alaves
Match summary
Athletic Bilbao and Alaves played out a goalless draw.
Athletic Bilbao had the better of the chances, with 1.46 expected goals (xG) from 24 shots to Alaves's 0.05 from 2. Oihan Sancet had a penalty saved for Athletic Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao dominated territory and shot volume in this La Liga Matchday 7 fixture but were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Alaves. The home side controlled 69 per cent of possession, completing 621 passes with a 90 per cent accuracy rate, and registered 24 shots to the visitors' two. Athletic Bilbao generated an expected goals total of 1.46 compared to 0.05 for Alaves, alongside six shots on target and 38 dangerous attacks. Discipline was slightly tested for the hosts, who conceded 13 fouls and picked up two yellow cards.
Early chances fell to Roberto Navarro and Iñaki Williams, but the match remained goalless at half-time. Athletic Bilbao made several substitutions in the second half, bringing on J. Louis-Jean, Mikel Jauregizar, and Iñaki Williams. Alaves countered with changes of their own, including Abde Rebbach replacing the injured Youssef Enríquez. The defining moment occurred in the 70th minute when Oihan Sancet missed a penalty for Athletic Bilbao following a saved effort a minute prior. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta received a yellow card for a foul, before Jesús Areso was cautioned for an argument late on.
