Nico Williams scores as Athletic Bilbao cruise past Viktoria Plzen

[caption id=attachment_1220295 align=alignnone width=1024] Nico Williams left winger of Athletic Club and Spain celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Athletic Club and FC Viktoria Plzen at Estadio de San Mames on January 30, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)[/caption]Athletic Bilbao secured a commanding 3-1 victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League, with Spanish-Ghanaian winger Nico Williams leading the charge at San Mams Barria.Williams opened the scoring in the 25th minute, slotting home a precise left-footed finish into the top left corner after a clever assist from his brother, Iaki Williams. The Basque side dominated possession and doubled their lead in the 64th minute when Yeray lvarez nodded in a pinpoint Alex Berenguer cross.Viktoria Plzen briefly threatened a comeback when Milan Havel struck in the 71st minute, but their hopes faded late on. A reckless challenge saw Daniel Vasulin sent off in the 89th minute, reducing the visitors to ten men.Athletic sealed the win deep into stoppage time when substitute Javier Martn latched onto an Oihan Sancet through ball to make it 3-1.With this victory, Ernesto Valverdes side stays in contention for Europa League glory, shifting their focus to a crucial La Liga clash against Real Betis on February 2nd. Read Full Story