Athletic Bilbao 4–0 Getafe: Why Bilbao Turned Set Pieces and Attacking Pressure Into a Big Win
Athletic Bilbao delivered a commanding 4–0 victory over Getafe on 25 October 2026, combining a dangerous set-piece routine, incisive passing and clinical finishing to secure an emphatic result at home.
Alex Berenguer opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful free kick, giving Bilbao an early advantage. The same player then created the second goal, supplying Iñaki Williams with a pass that the forward calmly converted in the 35th minute.
Getafe went into half-time two goals behind, but the challenge became even harder after the restart. Aitor Paredes headed in Berenguer's corner in the 70th minute, before Yuri Berchiche completed the scoring with an excellent first-time finish in the 88th minute.
The final result reflected Bilbao's ability to turn important moments into goals. Getafe had spells of possession and created opportunities, including a chance for Martín Satriano in the second half, but they struggled to convert those moments into a meaningful response.
Mario Martín's red card in the 86th minute further complicated Getafe's task, although Bilbao had already established a commanding three-goal lead by then.
For Athletic Bilbao, the victory was built on effective set pieces, intelligent attacking combinations and a strong finish. For Getafe, it was a difficult afternoon in which defensive mistakes, missed opportunities and disciplinary problems contributed to a heavy defeat.
Match Details
- Fixture: Athletic Bilbao vs Getafe
- Final score: Athletic Bilbao 4–0 Getafe
- Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
- Kick-off: 14:00
- Half-time score: Athletic Bilbao 2–0 Getafe
- First goal: Alex Berenguer, 17'
- Second goal: Iñaki Williams, 35'
- Third goal: Aitor Paredes, 70'
- Fourth goal: Yuri Berchiche, 88'
- Assists recorded: Alex Berenguer assisted Iñaki Williams and Aitor Paredes
- Referee: Francisco Maeso
- Attendance: 44,160
Bilbao Start With Purpose but Getafe Have Early Opportunities
Athletic Bilbao began the match by exchanging short passes and attempting to move Getafe's defensive structure out of position.
Their approach was patient. Rather than forcing every attack forward immediately, Bilbao looked to retain possession and identify gaps that could be exploited.
Nico Williams threatened in the 10th minute, beating an opponent inside the penalty area before sending his shot just wide of the right post. It was an early indication that Bilbao could create danger through individual attacking quality as well as collective passing.
Iñaki Williams also attempted to run onto a through ball in the 12th minute, but the pass was too long and the opportunity disappeared.
Getafe were not passive during the opening exchanges. Ramón Terrats tested Unai Simón in the fifth minute with a low shot from the edge of the box, although the goalkeeper dealt with it comfortably.
The visitors also attempted to move the ball forward through direct passes. In the third minute, Iván Azón Monzón received a promising through ball but was dispossessed by a Bilbao defender.
Getafe's early opportunities showed that they could threaten when they found space, but Bilbao's defensive reactions prevented those moves from producing a goal.
The match's first major turning point arrived when Kiko Femenía committed a foul in the 16th minute.
Bilbao were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position, and Berenguer stepped forward to take responsibility.
Alex Berenguer Breaks the Deadlock With a Powerful Free Kick
In the 17th minute, Berenguer struck the free kick with considerable power, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner before the goalkeeper could react.
Athletic Bilbao 1–0 Getafe.
It was a decisive moment because Bilbao had found a way to turn a set-piece opportunity into the opening goal.
Free kicks near the penalty area can be particularly dangerous when the taker can combine power with accurate placement. Berenguer achieved both, directing his effort beyond David Soria.
The goal also rewarded Bilbao's willingness to attack with patience. They had spent the opening minutes looking for openings, and when Getafe conceded a foul in a threatening area, the home side made the opportunity count.
For Getafe, the goal changed the demands of the match. The visitors could no longer focus solely on maintaining their defensive shape; they now needed to find a way to create an equaliser.
Bilbao, meanwhile, could continue using their passing game while looking for another opening.
The first goal did not settle the contest, but it gave the hosts the advantage and confidence to continue attacking.
Bilbao Lose Ruiz de Galarreta but Maintain Their Momentum
Bilbao suffered a setback in the 18th minute when Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta was unable to continue because of an injury. Beñat Gerenabarrena came on as his replacement.
The change required Bilbao to adjust their personnel, but it did not immediately disrupt their attacking progress.
Getafe attempted to respond through Kiko Femenía's lofted cross in the 21st minute, but Bilbao's defence cleared the ball from the penalty area.
The visitors also won a corner in the 22nd minute, although Bilbao dealt with the delivery.
At the other end, Bilbao continued to look for opportunities through passing combinations and movement around the penalty area.
Peio Canales was penalised for a foul in the 23rd minute, interrupting one of the home side's attacking moves. Getafe subsequently attempted to advance, but their efforts did not produce a clear scoring opportunity.
The match remained competitive, but Bilbao were increasingly dangerous whenever they could move the ball into the final third.
The second goal would demonstrate how effective their passing could be when the final delivery reached the intended player.
Alex Berenguer Creates the Second Goal for Iñaki Williams
Athletic Bilbao doubled their advantage in the 35th minute.
Berenguer displayed excellent vision, finding Iñaki Williams with a pass inside the penalty area. Williams showed composure, controlling the situation and finishing into the bottom-right corner.
Athletic Bilbao 2–0 Getafe.
The goal demonstrated a different aspect of Bilbao's attacking threat.
Their opener had come from a direct free kick, but the second goal was created through an incisive pass and a composed finish inside the box.
Berenguer's contribution was particularly important. After scoring the opening goal himself, he became the creator for the second, influencing the match in two distinct ways.
Williams also deserves credit for his execution. Receiving the ball in a promising position is only part of the job; the forward still needed to remain composed and direct the finish beyond Soria.
The goal left Getafe with a two-goal deficit before half-time.
For the visitors, the challenge was no longer simply to equalise. They needed to score twice to restore parity, while also ensuring that Bilbao did not extend their advantage further.
Getafe had shown moments of possession, but they had not found the same effectiveness in the final third as their opponents.
Getafe Try to Respond Before Half-Time
Getafe continued searching for a goal after conceding the second.
In the 26th minute, Daniel Carvajal unleashed a powerful shot, but a defender blocked the effort.
Iván Azón Monzón also attempted to race towards goal in the 40th minute, but a Bilbao defender recovered well and stopped the move.
The visitors were trying to find a way through, yet Bilbao's defensive interventions prevented their attacks from becoming clear scoring opportunities.
Getafe also struggled to make their set pieces count. Nemanja Gudelj's free kick in the 45+2nd minute was poorly struck and flew into the stands.
At the other end, Bilbao created another opportunity from a free kick in the 44th minute, but Soria came off his line and intercepted the cross.
The half-time whistle arrived at 45+4', with Athletic Bilbao leading 2–0.
The hosts had made their opportunities count, while Getafe had failed to convert their attempts into goals. Bilbao's advantage was deserved on the evidence of the decisive moments, although the visitors still had a full second half in which to attempt a response.
Getafe Make Changes but Bilbao Remain in Control
Getafe made two substitutions at half-time, introducing Andrés García and Saba Sazonov in place of Kiko Femenía and Francho.
The changes offered fresh options as the visitors attempted to improve their performance and reduce the deficit.
However, Bilbao continued to defend effectively. Getafe won a corner in the 47th minute, but the home side cleared the danger.
Azón Monzón was flagged offside in the 49th minute, interrupting another potential attacking move.
Bilbao continued to move the ball through short passing combinations. In the 51st minute, their players exchanged passes as they looked for an opening, and Berenguer came close to adding another goal a minute later.
He stepped inside his marker and fired a shot high over the crossbar.
Getafe also attempted to threaten from distance. Gudelj unleashed a powerful shot in the 54th minute, but it flew high over the goal.
The visitors were creating occasional opportunities, yet they were struggling to test Simón consistently.
Bilbao, meanwhile, were increasingly comfortable protecting their lead while remaining dangerous when they advanced.
Getafe Miss a Chance as Bilbao Prepare to Extend Their Lead
Getafe had a promising opportunity in the 65th minute when Martín Satriano received a short pass deep inside the penalty area.
Satriano took too long to shoot, allowing a Bilbao defender to recover and block the effort.
It was a significant missed opportunity. At 2–0, a Getafe goal would have reduced the deficit and potentially made the closing stages more competitive.
Instead, Bilbao survived the danger and remained in control.
The hosts made two substitutions in the 68th minute, with Christian Imga replacing Nico Williams and Alejandro Rego coming on for Maroan Sannadi.
Those changes refreshed Bilbao's options as the match entered its final third.
Getafe had another opportunity from a corner in the 66th minute, but Bilbao's defence cleared the ball.
The visitors were still trying to find a way back into the match, but their failure to convert promising chances continued to hurt them.
Bilbao were about to make their advantage even more difficult to overcome.
Aitor Paredes Makes It 3–0 With a Powerful Header
The third goal arrived in the 70th minute.
Berenguer delivered an excellent corner towards the edge of the penalty area, and Aitor Paredes rose above the defenders to head the ball into the net.
Athletic Bilbao 3–0 Getafe.
The goal was another example of Bilbao making a set piece count.
Berenguer had already scored from a free kick and assisted Williams from open play. His corner delivery now created the opportunity for Paredes to score with a header.
Paredes' movement and timing allowed him to meet the ball effectively, while Getafe failed to prevent the defender from reaching the delivery.
The goal also changed the nature of the contest. Getafe now needed three goals merely to draw level, and Bilbao had a commanding advantage with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
The visitors made further substitutions, introducing Borja Mayoral, Enes Ünal and Davinchi in the 71st minute.
They continued trying to create opportunities, but Bilbao's defence remained organised.
The third goal had placed the home side in a strong position, and the match was now increasingly about whether Getafe could produce a response rather than whether Bilbao could hold on.
Getafe's Frustration Grows as Bilbao Add a Fourth
Getafe continued to search for a goal after falling three behind.
In the 73rd minute, Enes Ünal took a free kick and sent the ball narrowly wide of the left post. It was one of the visitors' better second-half opportunities, but the effort failed to find the target.
Bilbao continued to threaten at the other end. Iñaki Williams went on a solo run in the 76th minute, although a Getafe defender blocked his progress before he could create a clear chance.
The hosts also retained possession through short passes and one-twos, waiting for spaces to open in Getafe's defensive structure.
The match took another major turn in the 86th minute when Mario Martín was sent off for a serious challenge. The red card left Getafe with ten players for the closing stages.
Bilbao were awarded a free kick in a wide position, creating another opportunity to deliver the ball into the penalty area.
Two minutes later, the hosts scored again.
In the 88th minute, Berenguer restarted play with a short pass from the free kick. Yuri Berchiche received the ball near the edge of the penalty area and struck a superb first-time shot into the bottom-left corner.
Athletic Bilbao 4–0 Getafe.
Berchiche's finish was technically excellent. He did not need to take an additional touch to prepare the shot, instead meeting the ball immediately and directing it accurately into the corner.
Soria attempted to make the save, but the quality of the strike proved too much.
The goal completed Bilbao's scoring and underlined their superiority in the decisive moments of the match.
It was also Berenguer's third major contribution to the scoreboard: he had scored the opener, assisted Williams and delivered the corner for Paredes before helping restart the move that led to Berchiche's goal.
Bilbao had turned a two-goal half-time advantage into a four-goal victory.
Bilbao Finish Strongly Before the Final Whistle
Bilbao continued to look for opportunities in the closing minutes.
Dani Vivian burst past a defender in the 90+1st minute and attempted a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the effort flew high over the crossbar.
The hosts also had a free-kick delivery intercepted as Getafe attempted to prevent further damage.
The match reached the final whistle at 90+4', confirming a 4–0 win for Athletic Bilbao.
The result was emphatic, but it was not simply the product of one spell of dominance. Bilbao scored through different situations: a direct free kick, a passing move, a corner and a first-time finish after a free-kick restart.
Getafe, meanwhile, were unable to convert their own opportunities and finished the match with ten players after Martín's dismissal.
The Tactical Picture
Bilbao's four goals came from different attacking situations, showing how they could threaten from set pieces as well as open play.
The following sketches illustrate the main patterns recorded in the supplied timeline. They are conceptual diagrams, not exact player-position tracking.
Bilbao's first goal — Berenguer's direct free kick
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Free-kick awarded
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v
Alex Berenguer
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| Powerful strike
v
Bottom-right corner
BILBAO 1–0 GETAFE
Berenguer converted the free kick with power and accuracy, giving Bilbao the lead in the 17th minute.
Bilbao's second goal — Berenguer finds Iñaki Williams
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Alex Berenguer
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| Precise pass
v
Iñaki Williams
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| Composed finish
v
Bottom-right corner
BILBAO 2–0 GETAFE
The second goal came from open play. Berenguer found Williams inside the box, and the forward converted the opportunity with a composed finish.
Bilbao's third goal — Paredes attacks the corner
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Alex Berenguer
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| Corner delivery
v
Aitor Paredes
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| Strong header
v
GOAL
BILBAO 3–0 GETAFE
Paredes' header gave Bilbao their third goal and showed how dangerous their set-piece delivery had become.
Bilbao's fourth goal — Berchiche finishes first-time
ATHLETIC BILBAO
Alex Berenguer
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| Short restart
v
Yuri Berchiche
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| First-time shot
v
Bottom-left corner
BILBAO 4–0 GETAFE
Berchiche's finish was the final goal of the match. The quick strike from the edge of the area left Soria with little chance of making the save.
MatchWhy Tactical Breakdown: Why Athletic Bilbao Won
1. Bilbao were effective from set pieces
Set pieces played a major role in the result.
Berenguer scored directly from a free kick, while Paredes headed in from a corner. Bilbao also created danger from other deliveries, forcing Getafe's defence to remain alert throughout the match.
The quality of the delivery mattered, but so did the attacking players' ability to reach the ball and finish.
2. Berenguer influenced the match in several ways
Berenguer was the standout attacking contributor.
He scored the opening goal, supplied the pass for Williams' finish and delivered the corner that led to Paredes' header. He also helped restart the move that produced Berchiche's late goal.
His involvement meant Bilbao had a consistent source of quality from dead-ball situations and open play.
3. Bilbao punished Getafe's defensive weaknesses
The second goal exposed Getafe's difficulty in dealing with a precise pass into the penalty area. Williams found the space to finish, while Paredes was able to attack the corner for the third goal.
Berchiche's fourth goal added another example of Bilbao finding an opportunity in a dangerous area and finishing accurately.
The home side did not rely on one repeated pattern. They found goals through several different attacking situations.
4. Getafe failed to convert their chances
Getafe had opportunities through Terrats, Azón Monzón, Carvajal, Gudelj, Satriano and Ünal, but none produced a goal.
Satriano's second-half opportunity was particularly frustrating because he had a shooting chance inside the box before a defender recovered to block him.
The visitors needed a goal to make the contest more competitive, but their finishing repeatedly failed them.
5. The red card made Getafe's task harder
Martín's dismissal in the 86th minute came after Bilbao had already established a 3–0 lead.
The red card reduced Getafe to ten players for the closing stages and came shortly before Berchiche's fourth goal.
It would be inaccurate to suggest the dismissal caused the defeat, since Bilbao were already comfortably ahead. However, it further complicated Getafe's efforts to finish the match on a positive note.
Why Getafe Lost
They could not contain Bilbao's set pieces
Bilbao's first and third goals came from set-piece situations.
Berenguer's free kick opened the scoring, while his corner created the opportunity for Paredes to head home.
Getafe needed to defend those moments more effectively, particularly when Bilbao had players capable of attacking the delivery.
Their finishing was not good enough
Getafe created several opportunities but failed to convert them.
Terrats' early shot was saved, Gudelj sent a free kick into the stands, and Ünal's second-half effort went narrowly wide.
Satriano also lost a promising opportunity when a defender blocked his shot.
Without a goal, Getafe had little chance of putting pressure on Bilbao's advantage.
They struggled to stop Bilbao's attacking combinations
Williams' goal came from Berenguer's precise pass, while Berchiche's finish followed a quick restart.
These moments showed Bilbao's ability to exploit spaces when the final pass or shot was executed well.
Getafe were able to interrupt some attacks, but they could not consistently prevent Bilbao from reaching dangerous positions.
The dismissal added to their problems
Martín's red card left Getafe with ten players in the final stages.
The team were already trailing by three goals, and the dismissal made it harder to manage the remainder of the contest.
What Athletic Bilbao Did Well — and What They Must Improve
Bilbao's biggest strength was their ability to turn opportunities into goals.
Berenguer's delivery and finishing influenced several key moments, while Williams, Paredes and Berchiche all converted their chances effectively.
The team also continued to pass the ball patiently and look for openings rather than relying on one attacking route.
However, Bilbao still missed opportunities. Nico Williams shot wide in the opening half, Iñaki Williams sent another effort over, and Vivian failed to keep his late shot down.
Against a more clinical opponent, those missed chances could matter more.
Bilbao will also need to manage injuries carefully after Ruiz de Galarreta was forced off in the first half.
Overall, though, their ability to score four goals through different attacking situations was the defining feature of the performance.
What Getafe Must Improve
Getafe need to defend set pieces with greater discipline.
Conceding from a direct free kick and then from a corner placed them at a significant disadvantage. Better positioning, marking and reactions to the delivery could help prevent similar goals.
Their finishing also needs improvement. The visitors had chances to score but repeatedly failed to find the target or allowed defenders to recover.
They must also remain disciplined when the match becomes frustrating. Martín's dismissal came late in a contest that Getafe were already losing heavily, making the closing stages even more difficult.
Players Who Shaped the Match
Alex Berenguer — Athletic Bilbao
Berenguer scored the opening goal with a powerful free kick and assisted Iñaki Williams' finish. His corner also created Paredes' goal, making him the key attacking influence in Bilbao's victory.
Iñaki Williams — Athletic Bilbao
Williams scored the second goal in the 35th minute after receiving Berenguer's pass. His composed finish gave Bilbao a two-goal advantage before half-time.
Aitor Paredes — Athletic Bilbao
Paredes headed in from Berenguer's corner in the 70th minute, extending the lead to 3–0 and effectively settling the contest.
Yuri Berchiche — Athletic Bilbao
Berchiche scored the fourth goal with an excellent first-time strike into the bottom-left corner in the 88th minute.
Unai Simón — Athletic Bilbao
Simón dealt comfortably with Terrats' early shot and helped Bilbao preserve their clean sheet.
David Soria — Getafe
Soria intercepted a Bilbao free-kick delivery in the first half and attempted to stop Berchiche's late effort. Despite his interventions, Bilbao's finishing proved too strong.
Martín Satriano — Getafe
Satriano had a promising second-half opportunity inside the penalty area but took too long to shoot, allowing a defender to block the effort.
Key Match Facts
- Athletic Bilbao defeated Getafe 4–0.
- Alex Berenguer opened the scoring with a direct free kick in the 17th minute.
- Iñaki Williams scored Bilbao's second goal in the 35th minute.
- Berenguer assisted Williams' goal.
- Aitor Paredes headed in from Berenguer's corner in the 70th minute.
- Mario Martín was sent off in the 86th minute.
- Yuri Berchiche scored the fourth goal in the 88th minute.
- Getafe created opportunities but failed to score.
- The attendance was 44,160.
- Referee Francisco Maeso ended the match at 90+4'.
The Match in One Sentence
Athletic Bilbao beat Getafe 4–0 by converting set pieces, combining effectively in open play and finishing their chances while the visitors failed to make their own opportunities count.
Final Takeaway
Athletic Bilbao's victory was a complete attacking performance built around quality delivery, effective movement and clinical finishing.
Berenguer set the tone with a powerful free kick, then created goals for Williams and Paredes. Berchiche's late strike completed the scoring and gave Bilbao a convincing four-goal margin.
Getafe had moments when they could have made the match more competitive, but missed chances and defensive problems prevented them from finding a way back. Martín's late red card added to their frustration.
For Bilbao, the result demonstrated how dangerous a team can become when it combines set-piece quality with well-timed attacking passes. For Getafe, it was a reminder that defensive organisation and finishing must both improve if promising moments are to produce results.
MatchWhy — We don't just tell you the score. We explain why.
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