Athletic Bilbao B and Deportivo La Coruna B played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Spanish Primera Federación on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Lezama training complex. The reserve-team clash delivered four goals, tactical variety, and a late equaliser that left both sides with mixed emotions.

Match Overview

Athletic Bilbao B started confidently, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. They took the lead in the 17th minute when Iker Varela received the ball on the edge of the area, turned his marker, and placed a shot into the far corner. Deportivo La Coruna B responded well and equalised in the 43rd minute through Hugo Sanmartín, who finished off a well-worked move down the left.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Athletic Bilbao B regained the lead in the 61st minute when Asier Hierro headed in from a corner. Deportivo pushed forward in search of another equaliser and found it in the 84th minute, with Pablo Martínez converting from close range after a goalmouth scramble. Neither side could find a winner in the closing minutes.

Key Moments

• 17’ – Athletic Bilbao B 1-0: Iker Varela opened the scoring with a clever turn and finish.
• 43’ – Athletic Bilbao B 1-1: Hugo Sanmartín equalised for Deportivo La Coruna B.
• 61’ – Athletic Bilbao B 2-1: Asier Hierro headed home from a corner.
• 84’ – Athletic Bilbao B 2-2: Pablo Martínez scored from close range after a scramble.

Tactical Story

Both teams showed the hallmarks of reserve-team football: energy, technical quality, and occasional defensive naivety. Athletic Bilbao B used a 4-3-3 with inverted wingers, looking to overload central areas and create shooting chances from the edge of the box. Their high press forced several turnovers in dangerous positions.

Deportivo La Coruna B built patiently from the back with a 4-2-3-1, often switching play to isolate their full-backs in wide areas. Their equalisers came from sustained pressure and good movement in the box. Defensively, both sides struggled with set pieces and second balls, which explains the four-goal scoreline.

Standout Players

Iker Varela was Athletic Bilbao B’s most creative presence, linking midfield and attack with intelligent movement. Asier Hierro was dominant in the air, scoring one and winning several duels. For Deportivo La Coruna B, Hugo Sanmartín impressed with his composure, while Pablo Martínez showed poaching instincts for the late equaliser. Both goalkeepers made important saves to keep the score level.

Primera Federación Table Impact

The draw leaves both sides in the middle section of the Primera Federación Group 1 table, with Athletic Bilbao B and Deportivo La Coruna B still harbouring hopes of climbing toward the playoff places. For Athletic’s young players, the match was another valuable development step; for Deportivo’s reserves, the comeback demonstrated character. The head-to-head remains balanced, and both coaches will see positives and warning signs from this performance.