Expected return! Nico Williams 'shaken' Athletic against Roma

The Athletic Club is smiling, why? Despite the fact that Ernesto Valverde's team debuted with a draw against Roma (1-1) in the UEFA Europa League, in this match the Basques welcomed back Nico Williams who had recently been unable to participate in the match against Celta de Vigo in matchday six of LaLiga EA Sports. It is worth remembering that the '10' of the 'lions' suffered an ankle injury against Leganés on matchday five, which raised doubts about his ability to play against the 'Giallorossi'.

🔚 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟

➕1️⃣ Great point for Athletic at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

A goal by Paredes led to the draw in the first match of the League Phase of the @EuropaLeague#RomaAthletic #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/m3ngrWX5gK

— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) September 26, 2024

In the clash against the Italians, 'Txingurri' Valverde chose not to include Williams in the starting eleven, but he used him as a quality game-changer. The player from Pamplona entered the field in the 60th minute with the team trailing 1-0, courtesy of a goal by Artem Dovbyk in the 32nd minute. Right from the outset, Roma displayed dominance in the attack and had several goal-scoring opportunities, most of which were thwarted by a well-organized Athletic defense, with few openings and highly reactive.

After Nico Williams came on, the team began to showcase its best version. In fact, shortly after his introduction, the left winger created a dangerous opportunity, delivering a cross into the box, narrowly missing the left post and connecting with Gorka Guruzeta. However, the shot from the Basque striker ended up slightly off target.

Aitor Paredes' Header Saves Athletic from Defeat in Rome

From that moment on, the Athletic Club regained its momentum and ambition in the attacking department, taking control of the game in the second half. In fact, the 'lions' significantly reduced Roma's goal-scoring opportunities and began to create numerous chances to score.

This persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Aitor Paredes, after an excellent cross into the box by Álex Berenguer, initially headed by Unai Núñez, struck the ball with a powerful header that nestled close to the left corner of the goal defended by Mile Svilar. This was the last significant action of a match marked by a balance in dominance between both teams, with limited ability to convert chances created.

THE LION'S STRIKE.

Header by Aitor Paredes to silence the Olimpico.

🦁 @AthleticClub #UEL #LaCasadelFútbol pic.twitter.com/sSI3eSOyU3

— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 26, 2024