In the final stop of Mexico’s United States tour, Athletic Club goalkeeper Alex Padilla reached a landmark despite a 2-0 defeat to Chile: the Zarautz-born player made his senior international debut and completed the full match.
Padilla, who is eligible for Mexico through his family, had been included in Rafa Márquez’s squad for the window but had remained unused in friendlies against Colombia, Peru and the United States. Chile provided his first opportunity with El Tri, in a starting side also featuring Everardo López, Dagoberto Espinoza, Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Erik Lira, Obed Vargas, Álvaro Fidalgo, Roberto Alvarado, Armando González and Germán Berterame.
Chile strike after the interval
The Athletic keeper was called into action early, stopping Gonzalo Tapia’s effort in the 11th minute. Maximiliano Gutiérrez then sent another Chilean attempt wide around the half-hour mark.
Gutiérrez gave Chile the lead soon after the restart. Tapia released him into space and the forward beat Padilla with a right-footed finish as the goalkeeper came out to narrow the angle.
The second goal arrived in the 65th minute. Darío Osorio’s pass was not intercepted by Johan Vásquez, allowing Vicente Pizarro to meet it and score left-footed past the advancing Padilla.
Return to Bilbao and Athletic duties
Padilla will now travel back to Bilbao ahead of Athletic’s return to league action against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, when he is expected to join Edin Terzic’s squad.
The goalkeeper has not yet played for Athletic this season. Attention will turn to whether Terzic gives him an opening in the Copa del Rey, a competition in which reserve keepers were regularly used during Ernesto Valverde’s previous campaigns.
Athletic will begin their cup run against either Sant Rafel or Prat. The second leg of that tie is due to be played on Sunday, with the Catalan side holding a commanding 5-1 advantage from the first meeting.
Mexico’s next fixtures come in November, when Márquez’s side meet Jamaica twice in the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals.
