Yuri’s late free kick rescues draw for Athletic Club against Eibar in preseason friendly

Late equaliser saves Terzic’s unbeaten run

Athletic Club’s preseason continued with a 2-2 draw against Segunda División side Eibar on Saturday, a result that preserved new head coach Edin Terzic’s unbeaten record in charge. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time, when veteran left-back Yuri Berchiche curled a free kick past the Eibar goalkeeper to cancel out what would have been the first defeat of the German coach’s tenure.

The match, played in persistent rain at the Gazituaga training ground in Zamudio, was a test of depth and resilience for both sides. Terzic made several experimental selections, while Eibar, coached by former Athletic B boss Jokin Aranbarri, fielded a largely rotated lineup.

First half drama

Eibar struck first in the fourth minute. Adu Ares, a forward who came through Athletic’s academy before moving to Ipurua, picked up the ball on the left, cut inside and finished past Padilla with a composed individual effort. The early goal forced Athletic to chase the game.

The hosts equalised in the 25th minute. Gorka Guruzeta, who has been in excellent scoring form during preseason, collected a pass from Jauregizar and fired a low cross-shot into the far corner. However, the joy was short-lived. In the 32nd minute, another former Athletic player, Javi Martón, rose highest to meet a floated free kick and headed past Padilla to restore Eibar’s lead.

The first half also saw an injury to Eibar’s Imanol García de Albéniz, who was replaced by Sarasketa. Athletic had chances through Guruzeta and Jauregizar, but the score remained 1-2 at the break.

Second half changes

Terzic waited until the 61st minute to make a raft of substitutions, replacing almost the entire outfield. Padilla gave way to Santos, and Yuri, Adama, Galarreta, Hugo Rincón, Gerenabarrena, Selton, Canales and Gift all entered the fray. The changes injected fresh energy, but Eibar, who had made ten changes at half-time, continued to create danger. Padilla made a good save to deny Hugo García from close range, and Hierro missed a chance for Athletic after a cross from Bermejo.

The match seemed destined for a first loss under Terzic when Athletic won a free kick in a promising position just outside the box. Yuri, back in the side after recovering from minor physical issues, stepped up and curled the ball into the net, beating the wall and the goalkeeper to level the score in the 90th minute.

Key facts

What this means for Athletic’s preseason

The draw extends Athletic’s unbeaten preseason run, which now includes three previous wins against lower-division opponents. Terzic’s willingness to experiment with personnel and formations – including deploying Johaneko as an interior left-midfielder with Adama covering behind – suggests he is still refining his preferred XI ahead of the La Liga season.

The performance also highlighted the strength of the club’s academy connections. Three former Athletic players scored or contributed for Eibar, underscoring the depth of talent that has passed through Lezama. For Athletic fans, the resolute fightback, led by a veteran like Yuri, will be encouraging even if the overall display was patchy.

The next friendly will provide another opportunity for Terzic to assess his squad before the competitive campaign begins.

Source: Mundo Deportivo – https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/athletic-bilbao/20260725/1004210121/asasas.html