Athletic Club kept their push for European qualification alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Elche at a lively San Mamés, a match defined as much by controversy as by late drama.
From the opening whistle, Athletic controlled proceedings. Ernesto Valverde’s side dominated possession and territory, carving out early chances through a sharp and energetic front line.
Gorka Guruzeta was at the heart of everything, first firing over when well placed and later forcing Matías Dituro into a fine save with a crisp volley from range.
Elche, under sustained pressure, relied heavily on their goalkeeper. Dituro produced a string of impressive stops, including denying Iñaki Williams after a slaloming run, to keep the visitors level at the break.
That resistance finally broke midway through the second half when Yuri Berchiche’s driven cross was turned home by Guruzeta from close range.
The match then descended into confusion. A late challenge led to Elche being awarded a penalty, which Andre Silva initially converted before it was ruled out for a double touch.
To the fury of the home crowd, the spot-kick was retaken, and Silva made no mistake the second time.
Athletic looked rattled but found salvation late on. A VAR review punished a clumsy challenge inside the area, and Guruzeta calmly dispatched the resulting penalty to seal the win and his brace.
The result moves Athletic to within touching distance of the top six, while Elche’s winless run stretches on, deepening their relegation worries.