Inaki Williams brought the curtain down on the 2025/2026 La Liga season with a pair of assists despite Bilbao suffering a 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
The Spain-born Ghana international created both of Bilbao’s goals in an entertaining encounter in Madrid, providing a bright finish to what had otherwise been a difficult campaign for the club captain.
Williams endured one of his most challenging seasons in recent years, managing three league goals and six assists during the domestic campaign. His struggles mirrored those of Athletic Bilbao, who slipped to 12th place in La Liga after qualifying for the UEFA Champions League the previous season.
Following the disappointing campaign, Williams issued an emotional apology to supporters on social media, assuring fans that the team would regroup and aim to return stronger next season.
Bilbao’s final game of the season began badly as Real Madrid took control early in the match. Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring for the hosts before Jude Bellingham doubled Madrid’s advantage five minutes before half-time.
However, Williams responded just before the interval by setting up Gorka Guruzeta, whose goal reduced the deficit and offered the visitors hope heading into the second half.
Real Madrid restored their dominance after the break when Kylian Mbappe added a third goal for the home side. With three minutes remaining, Brahim Diaz appeared to put the result beyond doubt after extending Madrid’s lead once again.
Despite the setback, Williams remained influential until the closing stages of the contest. Deep into stoppage time, the forward produced another assist, this time finding Urko Izeta to score Bilbao’s second goal of the evening.
Although Athletic Bilbao ended the season with defeat, Williams’ contribution at the Bernabeu offered a reminder of the qualities that have made him a key figure for his boyhood club over the years.
The forward’s performances have often been central to Bilbao’s success, but the 2025/26 campaign proved difficult both individually and collectively. After securing a return to Europe’s top club competition the previous season, expectations had been considerably higher for the club.
Instead, Bilbao struggled for consistency throughout the campaign and were unable to challenge for the European places in La Liga.
Williams’ emotional response after the season reflected the disappointment felt within the club, with the captain acknowledging the frustrations of supporters while insisting the team would work to improve ahead of the next campaign.
His two assists against Real Madrid nevertheless ensured he finished the season with a positive individual contribution, even as Bilbao closed a disappointing year with defeat at one of Spanish football’s most famous venues.
