Nico Williams Leads Athletic Club to Win After Rejecting Barcelona Transfer

Nico Williams had an amazing game for Athletic Club in their first LaLiga match. He scored one goal and set up two others to help his team beat Sevilla 3-2. This was his first official game since deciding to stay with Athletic Club, turning down a recent move to Barcelona. According to reports, Williams had been linked with a move to the Catalan giants but ultimately chose to remain loyal to his boyhood club, supported by a long-term contract extension that keeps him at Athletic until 2035.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Playing at a lively San Mamés, Nico Williams was the star. He won and scored a penalty to start the scoring. Soon after, his strong run and perfect pass set up Maroan Sannadi to make it 2-0. However, Sevilla replied well in the second half, with Dodi Lukébakio and Lucien Agoumé making it 2-2. Williams was not finished, as he set up the winner with a clever pass to Robert Navarro, who volleyed in the winning goal late in the game. Williams was forced off late on with an injury scare but left the field to a big round of applause as Athletic secured all three points.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This game was about more than just three points. Nico Williams played his first competitive game since rejecting a transfer to Barcelona in public, showing his long-term commitment to his boyhood club. The brilliant performance confirmed his importance to Athletic, as he started the season with both a goal and two assists. Last season, Nico Williams scored 12 goals and delivered 10 assists in 37 league appearances, underscoring his integral role in the team’s efforts as they finished fourth in La Liga, securing Champions League qualification. This result puts Athletic Club in a strong position to build early momentum, while Sevilla faces questions after a shaky defensive performance.

WHAT NEXT FOR ATHLETIC AND SEVILLA?

Athletic Club faces Rayo Vallecano at San Mamés in the next Liga match. Rayo, who finished just below Athletic last season and wualified for the Conference League, will want to test Williams and his team. Athletic are in the top half after one match, with the chance to move up if they can beat Rayo, who also have three points from their first game. Sevilla will aim to bounce back at home against Getafe, as they look for a better defensive performance and their first win of the new season.