Sestao 0-1 Athletic Bilbao B: Late Strike Decides Pre-Season Friendly

Sestao, July 30, 2026 – Athletic Bilbao B edged out local rivals Sestao River with a narrow 1-0 victory in a tightly contested pre-season friendly under the lights at Estadio Las Llanas. The only goal of the match came in the second half as the young Lions continued their summer preparations with a disciplined defensive display.

The encounter served as an important fitness test for both sides ahead of the upcoming campaigns. Sestao, competing in the Primera Federación, looked to match the intensity of their higher-tier opponents. Athletic Bilbao B, the reserve side of the famed La Liga club, fielded a mixture of academy prospects and fringe first-team players seeking minutes.

Match Overview

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances in the humid conditions. Sestao’s backline, organized by center-back Gorka Larrea, held firm against the visitors’ possession-based approach. Athletic Bilbao B’s midfield trio of U20 starlets controlled the tempo but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

The deadlock was broken in the 68th minute when Athletic Bilbao B’s forward Iker Pérez latched onto a through ball from captain Asier Gómez, calmly slotting past Sestao goalkeeper Imanol Etxeberria. The goal sparked a late surge from the hosts, who pushed for an equalizer, but Bilbao B’s defense, marshaled by veteran central defender Aitor Aldalur, held firm to secure the clean sheet.

Key Takeaways

• Sestao’s defensive resilience: Despite the loss, Sestao showed they can compete physically with a team from a higher level.
• Youthful promise for Bilbao B: The reserve side’s ability to grind out a result bodes well for their Tercera Federación campaign.
• Pre-season progress: Both managers will take positives from the intensity and structure on display.

What’s Next?

Sestao will continue their friendly schedule with a fixture against CD Tudelano next week. Athletic Bilbao B return to Lezama to face SD Amorebieta in another warm-up match as they fine-tune their squad for the season opener.