Sevilla brought an end to a worrying four-match winless run in LaLiga by coming from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Athletic Club at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. The result eased relegation fears and marked their first head-to-head success against Athletic since April 2023.

The hosts showed early signs of nerves and were fortunate not to concede in the opening minutes when goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was caught out of position. Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta attempted to capitalise with a long-range effort toward an empty net, but his curling shot drifted narrowly wide.

That miss proved costly, as Athletic soon found themselves under pressure. Aitor Paredes nearly turned the ball into his own net, only for the effort to be ruled out following a foul on Nemanja Gudelj.

Despite Sevilla’s growing influence, it was Athletic who struck first. Robert Navarro, fresh from scoring the winner against Atalanta in midweek, opened the scoring by tapping in after Vlachodimos had made a desperate save from Urko Izeta’s chipped attempt.

Sevilla responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Peque restored parity with a composed finish into the bottom corner after being set up by Juanlu Sánchez, ensuring the sides went into half-time level.

After scoring twice in Monday’s comeback draw with Elche, Akor Adams once again made his mark early in the second half. Sevilla were awarded a penalty following a handball by Yuri Berchiche, and the Nigerian striker calmly converted from the spot, sending Unai Simón the wrong way to claim his sixth league goal of the campaign.

The goal prompted Athletic manager Ernesto Valverde to make a quick double substitution, including the introduction of star winger Nico Williams. However, the changes failed to spark a revival, as the visitors struggled to create clear chances in the closing stages.

Sevilla managed the game effectively to see out the victory, condemning Athletic to a fifth consecutive league match without a win.

The result lifts Matías Almeyda’s side up to 11th place and level on points with Athletic, who must now regroup quickly ahead of their crucial European clash with Sporting CP in midweek.