Overview

• Ernesto Valverde repeated his opening‑day lineup, starting Oihan Sancet on the bench before bringing him on at halftime.
• Sancet won a foul that was confirmed by VAR and converted the resulting penalty to decide the game.
• Athletic begin LaLiga with two wins for the first time since 2013–14 after victories over Sevilla and Rayo.
• Rayo arrived in good away form and threatened early, but Athletic controlled the second half with sustained pressure led by Nico Williams’ chances.
• Beñat Prados and Unai Gómez also returned to the squad, Egiluz remains out for the season and Yeray is suspended, and Unai Vencedor was omitted as he pursues a loan move according to local reports.