Atletico Madrid fought back from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Athletic Club at home, ending a difficult run with just their second win in nine matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde’s side suffered another setback in their push for European qualification, marking their sixth defeat in eight La Liga outings.

Following their midweek loss to Elche, Atleti brought back several experienced players into the lineup. However, they were immediately put under pressure, with Gorka Guruzeta latching onto a long ball inside three minutes, only for Jan Oblak to deny him from a tight angle.

That early chance proved to be the only notable attempt from either side in a quiet opening period, which also saw Alex Baena unsuccessfully appeal for a penalty after going down inside the box.

The breakthrough eventually came midway through the first half, as the visitors capitalized on their second opportunity. Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta’s corner delivery was met powerfully by Dani Vivian, who headed home to give Athletic the lead.

Having become just the fourth team to concede first at home against Athletic this season, Atletico began to show signs of life late in the half. Giuliano Simeone delivered a cross from the right, which Alexander Sorloth met with a strong header, but it was directed straight at goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Aside from that moment, the hosts struggled to find rhythm and cohesion, prompting frustration from the home supporters, who responded with whistles at the half-time break.

The earlier frustration quickly turned into celebration just four minutes after the restart, as Alex Baena’s low cross from the left, despite taking a couple of deflections, fell kindly to Antoine Griezmann, who tapped in the equaliser.

Only five minutes later, the game was completely flipped. Giuliano Simeone surged through midfield before linking up with Alexander Sorloth, who combined brilliantly with Baena in a quick one-two before calmly slotting the ball home.

Sorloth nearly grabbed his second soon after, but his effort toward the top corner drifted just wide.

Around the hour mark, momentum swung back in Lehoiak’s favour. Guruzeta showed excellent control at the edge of the box before firing just wide, while an effort from Oihan Sancet required a strong block. Dani Vivian also rose highest from another set-piece, but his header drifted over.

In the final 10 minutes, Bilbao appeared to run out of ideas, with long-range attempts from Vivian and Mikel Vesga failing to trouble Oblak.

Deep into stoppage time, Nahuel Molina found Sorloth near the halfway line, and the striker surged clear to seal the win for Atleti, ensuring they avoided a fifth straight league defeat for the first time since 1942.

The Basque side managed a late consolation through a Guruzeta header, but missed the chance to complete a first league double in 26 years and remain three points off the top six.