Bath, Massage, and On to the Next Thing - FootBoom

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In one of those peculiar matches played at two in the afternoon, where one wonders whether to bring a sandwich to the match or grab a coffee instead, Athletic's performance was nothing short of a bath and a massage. And then it was on to the next challenge, as the third round of the Europa League looms just around the corner. Ernesto Valverde understood this perfectly, allowing himself the luxury of resting several key players: Yuri Berchiche, Ruiz de Galarreta, and the Williams brothers even with plenty of minutes still to play. The 4-0 lead on the scoreboard before the hour mark made the manager's job easier, and the many fans at La Catedral enjoyed a comfortable match with no scares, although Espanyol’s late free-kick goal in injury time—yet again that pesky stoppage time—prevented total satisfaction, as Julen Agirrezabala, back after his red card, couldn’t keep a clean sheet.

It was a small blemish, minimal and insignificant, on a fantastic afternoon for Alex Berenguer. The Navarra-born player was crucial in the thrashing of Espanyol and presents a more than valid option to fill in for Oihan Sancet, who was injured this Saturday with his return to the team still uncertain, though it could happen in one of the next two matches: Thursday against Sparta Prague or next Monday against Mallorca. Valverde has found in him a player with a profile more similar to that of Sancet compared to Unai Gómez, who up to now has been chosen to cover for Sancet.

Berenguer made his presence felt thanks to his tremendous individual quality and game vision. He knows how to move between the lines, as the coach explained he often drifts into the midfield from the wing, and he has an immense ability to find the opposing goal. This Saturday he scored a goal following a brilliant individual effort and provided two assists, both to Iñaki Williams, with which Athletic sealed a match where Dani Vivian showcased a masterclass in defense and opened the scoring.

The return to competition following the second league break has worked wonders for Valverde's squad. The strong collective performance against Espanyol helps to forget what happened against Girona two weeks ago and, in turn, allows Athletic to match the 17 points they had after the first ten matches last season. Of course, back then the red and whites didn’t have to juggle two competitions, as they are doing this season, with both the league and the Europa League, so there are reasons to keep the hope alive and intact. Additionally, Valverde introduced a new player to the mix this Saturday, Nico Serrano, who experienced his first appearance this season. Bath, massage, and on to the next target.