Athletic Club vs Elche Result

La Liga · Spain

Athletic Club

2 - 1

Full Time

Elche

📍 Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao

🗓️ Friday, 20 Feb 2026 at 20:00

🔮 AI Prediction Report

PSYCHIC MODE

Predicted

2 - 1

🎯

Actual

2 - 1

✅Result

❌BTTS

❌O/U 2.5

✅Score

💰 Bet Results2/2 hit

btts — yes@ 4.33

+£333✅

1x2 — home@ 1.22

+£22✅

Estimated ROI (£100/bet)

Staked: £200 · Returns: £555

+£355

+178% ROI

Late Guruzeta Strike Lifts Athletic Past Elche in San Mamés Thriller

Athletic Club edged past Elche 2-1 at San Mamés in a tightly contested La Liga clash, with Gorka Guruzeta's late goal sealing the points for the hosts. The Basques took the lead in the 64th minute, only for Elche to hit back swiftly four minutes later. However, Athletic's persistence paid off as they found a dramatic winner in the dying minutes. Despite Elche enjoying a slight edge in possession (54%), it was Athletic who posed the greater attacking threat, registering 18 shots with 8 on target compared to Elche's meager 2 efforts. Both sides were combative, sharing six yellow cards, but it was the home side's attacking intent and resilience that ultimately made the difference.

Athletic Club

7.5/10

Athletic Club produced a spirited display, dominating the shot count and showing attacking intent throughout. Their 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to push numbers forward, especially in the second half, and they were rewarded with two well-taken goals. Despite conceding shortly after their opener, they maintained composure and pressed for the winner, which eventually came late on. Defensively, Athletic were largely untroubled, with their backline and goalkeeper Unai Simón facing only two shots on target. The midfield duo of Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Alejandro Rego provided balance, while Gorka Guruzeta's decisive contribution in attack proved crucial.

Key Players

Gorka Guruzeta: Scored the match-winning goal in the 89th minute.

Unai Simón: Made key saves to preserve the lead and marshaled the defense.

Oihan Sancet: Instrumental in linking midfield and attack, involved in creating chances.

Strengths

High shot volume and attacking intentResilience after concedingEffective use of width and late runs into the box

Weaknesses

Momentary lapse after opening goalDiscipline concerns with 3 yellow cards

Elche

6/10

Elche showed composure in possession, controlling 54% of the ball and attempting to dictate the tempo with their 3-1-4-2 setup. However, their attacking output was severely limited, managing just two shots—both on target and one resulting in their equalizer. Despite their midfield numbers, they struggled to break down Athletic's defense or create sustained pressure. Defensively, Elche were organized for long stretches but eventually succumbed to Athletic's persistent attacks. Their lack of offensive ambition and inability to capitalize on their brief spell of parity ultimately cost them.

Key Players

André Silva: Scored Elche's only goal, briefly leveling the match.

Matías Dituro: Made several important saves to keep Elche in the game.

Pedro Bigas: Anchored the defense and tried to marshal the back three.

Strengths

Controlled possessionDefensive organization for much of the match

Weaknesses

Lack of attacking threatStruggled to cope with late pressureFew chances created

Key Moments

64' — Goal

Athletic Club open the scoring to take a deserved lead after sustained pressure.

68' — Goal

André Silva equalizes for Elche, punishing a brief lapse in Athletic's concentration.

89' — Goal

Gorka Guruzeta scores the late winner for Athletic, sending San Mamés into celebration.

Various' — Yellow Cards

Both teams see three players each booked in a fiercely contested midfield battle.

Tactical Analysis

Athletic Club's 4-2-3-1 formation provided a solid platform, with fullbacks Lekue and Berchiche offering attacking width while the midfield double pivot shielded the defense. The advanced trio behind Guruzeta interchanged well, creating overloads and exploiting Elche's wide areas. Their pressing intensity forced Elche into errors, especially in the second half. Elche's 3-1-4-2 shape aimed to crowd the midfield and control possession, but their lack of penetration up front was evident. Their wingbacks were pinned back by Athletic's wide play, and transitions were slow, limiting their ability to threaten on the break. Substitutions did little to alter their attacking fortunes, as Athletic's late push proved decisive.

Turning Point

Gorka Guruzeta's 89th-minute goal, breaking the deadlock and rewarding Athletic's relentless pressure.

Man of the Match

Gorka Guruzeta

His late winner capped a tireless display leading the line and secured all three points for Athletic.