Abelardo rues Athletic opener

Sporting Gijon Coach Abelardo Fernandez believes it was Athletic Bilbao’s first goal that proved decisive as his side went down 3-0 at San Mames.

Markel Susaeta opened the scoring before Aritz Aduriz claimed a brace, and the trainer said post-match that his team struggled after falling behind.

“We started the match well and the first 15 minutes were fine, but the first goal killed us,” he lamented, Marca reports.

“From there the team wasn’t at the level of recent matches and Athletic were superior. It’s the first time in nine games we’ve been inferior.

“Athletic won the game by force and with force in the two penalty areas. They are very good players at the technical, tactical and strategic level. They have terrible potential.

“Our approach was ideal but the opponent plays too and they were better.

“We’re newly-promoted and it will be a tough fight to stay up. This was a losing battle but we have to correct the mistakes and try to not let them happen again.”

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