Athletic Club 3-1 Qarabağ: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes' post-match review of Athletic Club 3-1 Qarabağ in the Champions League on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Well, what a cracking performance from Athletic Club, eh? They've gone and bagged a solid 3-1 win over Qarabağ at home, which is just what the doctor ordered after that bruising 4-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. The lads really turned it on, especially in the second half, with Gorka Guruzeta proving to be the hero of the hour, netting twice. It's a result that keeps their European hopes alive and kicking, and you've got to say, it wasn't a surprise given Qarabağ's up-and-down form lately. They've had a bit of a rollercoaster ride, winning three out of their last five, but today, Athletic Club were just too strong.

Qarabağ did manage to nick an early goal, which might have had some of us thinking we were in for a tight affair. But Athletic Club, bless 'em, showed real grit and determination, clawing back and then some. The win breaks a bit of a mini-slump for Athletic Club, and you can bet your bottom dollar they'll be buzzing after this one. It's a result that not only boosts their confidence but also their standing in the competition. Fair play to them, they've earned it.

Looking at the stats, it's clear as day that Athletic Club dominated possession with a hefty 60% to Qarabağ's 40%. That control really paid off, didn't it? They also racked up more corners, with eight to Qarabağ's three, showing they were the ones pushing for goals. What's interesting, though, is Qarabağ's higher successful dribble percentage at 33% compared to Athletic Club's 21%. Despite that, it was Athletic Club's efficiency in front of goal that made all the difference. The stats back up the result, no doubt about it.

The game kicked off with a bang, as Qarabağ stunned the home crowd with a goal in the very first minute. You could see the shock on the faces of the Athletic Club faithful, but they didn't let it get to them. The turning point came in the 40th minute when Athletic Club equalised, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. That goal was crucial, giving them the momentum they needed to push on.

And push on they did. Gorka Guruzeta stepped up big time, scoring in the 70th and 88th minutes to seal the deal for Athletic Club. Those late goals were the icing on the cake, showing real resilience and determination from the team. It was a performance that not only secured the win but also sent a message to their rivals in the competition.

Athletic Club lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and it worked a treat for them. No real surprises in the starting XI, with the usual suspects like Unai Simón in goal and the Williams brothers up top. Gorka Guruzeta was the standout performer, bagging a brace and proving his worth in the final third. The five substitutions made by the manager also played a key role, keeping the team fresh and dynamic throughout the match.

Qarabağ also opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup, but it didn't quite click for them on the day. The lineup was a mix of familiar faces and some new blood, with Mateusz Kochalski between the sticks and Nariman Akhundzada leading the line. Despite their early goal, they struggled to keep up with Athletic Club's pace and intensity. The five substitutions they made didn't have the desired impact, and they'll need to regroup and come back stronger next time.

Gorka Guruzeta is our Ladbrokes' Man of the Match, and it's no surprise why. The lad bagged a brace, scoring in the 70th and 88th minutes, which turned out to be the decisive goals in the match. While he didn't register any assists or create big chances, his clinical finishing was exactly what Athletic Club needed to secure the win. A top performance from Guruzeta, and he thoroughly deserves the accolade.

Recent Champions League matches:

• Win: 3-1 vs Qarabağ (H)
• Loss: 1-4 vs Borussia Dortmund (A)

Recent Champions League matches:

• Loss: 1-3 vs Athletic Club (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs FC København (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs Benfica (A)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Ferencvárosi (H)
• Win: 3-1 vs Ferencvárosi (A)

Sitting in 21st place with 3 points, Athletic Club will be looking to build on this win when they face Getafe on October 26, 2025 at 15:00. This result should give them a real boost of confidence, and you can bet they'll be approaching the game with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. It's a chance to climb up the league table and keep the momentum going.

Qarabağ, currently in 13th place with 6 points, will have their work cut out for them when they take on Chelsea on November 05, 2025 at 17:45. This loss might sting a bit, but it's a good opportunity for them to learn and improve. They'll need to regroup and come up with a solid game plan to tackle a tough opponent like Chelsea.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.