Athletic Club 3-1 Qarabağ: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral's post-match review of Athletic Club 3-1 Qarabağ in the Champions League on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Athletic Club secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Qarabağ at home, a result that was not entirely surprising given their recent form. The Basque side bounced back from a heavy defeat against Borussia Dortmund, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. Gorka Guruzeta was the standout performer, netting a brace that propelled Athletic Club to a well-deserved win. This victory marks a positive shift in their recent run of results, highlighting their potential in the competition.

Qarabağ, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their momentum from previous wins against FC København and Benfica. Despite taking an early lead, they were unable to hold off Athletic Club's relentless pressure. The loss ends a mixed run for Qarabağ, who had shown flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short against a determined Athletic Club side. This result underscores the challenges they face in this stage of the competition.

The statistics from the match largely align with the final scoreline, with Athletic Club dominating possession at 60% compared to Qarabağ's 40%. This possession advantage translated into more attacking opportunities, as evidenced by Athletic Club's eight corners compared to Qarabağ's three. Interestingly, Qarabağ had a higher successful dribble percentage at 33%, suggesting some effectiveness in their forward play despite the loss. The five substitutions made by each team indicate active management from both sides, though Athletic Club's three assists highlight their superior teamwork and finishing.

The match's pivotal moment came early when Qarabağ scored in the first minute, setting a challenging tone for Athletic Club. However, the Basque side responded brilliantly, with Gorka Guruzeta equalising in the 40th minute. This goal shifted the momentum decisively in Athletic Club's favor, as they went on to score twice more in the second half. Guruzeta's second goal in the 70th minute and a late strike in the 88th minute sealed the victory, showcasing Athletic Club's ability to capitalise on key moments and turn the game around.

Athletic Club lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Unai Simón in goal and a backline of Andoni Gorosabel, Aitor Paredes, Aymeric Laporte, and Yuri Berchiche. The midfield was anchored by Alejandro Rego and Mikel Jauregizar, with Iñaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, and Nico Williams supporting striker Gorka Guruzeta. The lineup showed no major surprises, but the impact of the substitutions was notable, with five changes made throughout the game. Guruzeta's performance was particularly standout, as he scored twice and played a crucial role in the victory.

Qarabağ also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mateusz Kochalski between the posts and a defense consisting of Matheus Silva, Bahlul Mustafazada, Kevin Medina, and Elvin Cafarquliyev. The midfield duo of Pedro Bicalho and Kady Borges supported the attacking trio of Camilo Durán, Leandro Andrade, and Abdellah Zoubir, with Nariman Akhundzada leading the line. Despite an early goal, the team struggled to maintain their lead, and the five substitutions made did not significantly alter their fortunes. The lineup was as expected, but the inability to hold onto their lead was a notable disappointment.

Gorka Guruzeta is Coral's Man of the Match, and his performance fully justifies this accolade. Scoring two crucial goals, Guruzeta was instrumental in Athletic Club's comeback and eventual victory. Although he did not register any assists or create big chances, his clinical finishing and impact on the game's outcome were undeniable. His brace not only secured the win but also highlighted his importance to the team's attacking strategy.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Qarabağ (H)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Borussia Dortmund (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Athletic Club (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs FC København (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs Benfica (A)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Ferencvárosi (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Ferencvárosi (A)

With this win, Athletic Club now sit in 21st place with 3 points. Their next challenge is a league match against Getafe on October 26, 2025, at 15:00. This result should boost their confidence as they look to climb the league standings, and they will likely approach the game with a renewed sense of purpose and attacking intent.

Qarabağ find themselves in 13th place with 6 points following this defeat. They will face Chelsea on November 05, 2025, at 17:45. This loss may prompt them to reassess their defensive strategies and focus on maintaining leads, especially against a strong opponent like Chelsea.

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