BARCELONA, Spain — Sporting Gijon scored twice in the second half to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 in the opening round of the Spanish league on Sunday.
New signings Duje Cop and Victor Rodriguez scored for Sporting in a four-minute span shortly after halftime. Cop volleyed in the opener from a corner kick in the 49th, followed by Rodriguez striking on the break.
A cross by Bilbao forward Inaki Williams found the net with a deflection off Borja Viguera in the 86th.
Bilbao had controlled the first half but failed to convert its chances at El Molinon Stadium.
Akram Afif became the first player from Qatar to play in the Spanish league when he debuted for Sporting as a second-half substitute. He joined on loan from Villarreal, which signed him this summer.
