AUTUMN TURBULENCE FOR ATHLETIC CLUB — A SEASON OF CONTRASTS
By Alex Mineto
Since our last article analysing Athletic Club’s performance in the 2025/2026 season, “Los Leones” have played eight matches with a balance that leans more negative than positive.
Mixed Results, Mixed Feelings
The period began on 19 October with a 0–0 draw away at Elche CF. Athletic defended solidly, but lacked the creativity and finishing needed to break the deadlock. The point was acceptable, yet felt like a missed opportunity in a season where every domestic point is precious.
Three days later in the Champions League, they claimed a morale-boosting 3–1 win at home against Qarabağ FK. That result offered a rare moment of optimism, a sign that Athletic Club can still deliver under European pressure.
But the bounce was short-lived. Back in La Liga on 25 October, they dropped 0–1 at home to Getafe CF. Despite the home advantage, the team lacked cutting edge, and the defeat underscored problems in attack and in breaking down organised defences.
Then came early November’s trip to play the Basque Derby against Real Sociedad — an agonising 2–3 loss. The match illustrated both Athletic’s attacking potential and defensive fragility: they showed ambition, but let themselves down in crucial moments under pressure.
Five days later, in Europe again, Athletic fell 0–2 away to Newcastle United — a reminder of the harsh reality of Champions League football, where reaching the next round is proving to be a dream slipping further away
At least there was some relief on 9 November: Athletic grabbed a 1–0 win at home against Real Oviedo — a modest but useful victory that offered a moment to regroup.
However, their latest league match — an away visit to FC Barcelona on 22 November — ended in a bruising 0–4 defeat. Down to ten men after the hour mark, Athletic were outclassed on a historic night, as it marked Barça’s first match at the Camp Nou after more than two years of renovation works. It was a sobering end to a chaotic stretch.
Most recently, on 25 November, Athletic managed a 0–0 draw away at Slavia Praha in the Champions League — perhaps a fair result, but arguably a missed chance to take points and revive European hopes.
What the Numbers and Performances Say
Defensive organisation remains a strength.
Even in tough matches the Basque squad often stay compact, limiting clear-cut chances for rivals. That solidity secured the draw at Elche and kept the scoreline manageable at Slavia Praha.
Attacking troubles are growing.
While there are moments of promise — like the Qarabağ win or the goal against Oviedo — they remain too sporadic. A lack of consistent creativity and finishing has turned potential points into draws or losses, especially against teams that defend with discipline. This fragility in the final third remains a major handicap.
Lacking a True Goalscorer.
Athletic are feeling the cost of lacking a true attacking reference — the kind of decisive figure Oihan Sancet became during the 2024/2025 campaign. His 17 goals, presence between the lines and ability to unlock tight matches often carried the team through difficult stretches. Without that reliable spark this season, chances go unfinished, pressure builds, and matches that once tilted their way are now slipping from their grasp.
Squad rotation & fatigue loom large.
Juggling La Liga and Champions League matches strains depth. The heavy defeat at Barcelona, the narrow loss at Real Sociedad, and inconsistent attacking output suggest that periodization and mental focus have wavered.
A Brutal End to the Year: What Awaits Athletic Until December 31
As the calendar approaches its final stretch, Athletic Club face one of the toughest runs of fixtures of their season — a demanding sequence that will test their depth, resilience and ambition on both domestic and European fronts. The remaining schedule is unforgiving, and the margin for error thinner than ever.
In LaLiga, Athletic must first navigate two giants back-to-back at San Mamés: Real Madrid (3 December) followed only three days later by Atlético de Madrid (6 December). These are fixtures that require absolute concentration, defensive solidity and efficiency in front of goal, qualities the team has struggled to consistently display in recent weeks.
But the challenge doesn’t stop there. On 10 December, San Mamés hosts one of the continent’s dominant forces: Paris Saint-Germain, in a Champions League showdown that could define not only Athletic’s European hopes but their confidence heading into the final weeks of 2025. Facing PSG at home is always a monumental task; facing them amid a dip in form and an already congested schedule makes it even more daunting.
After that, Athletic returns to LaLiga to face Celta de Vigo (14 December), a match that offers points but not necessarily comfort. The year then closes with a home game against RCD Espanyol (22 December), theoretically the most accessible fixture of the run, but also the kind where the pressure to win becomes its own opponent.
Given the density and difficulty of these matches, it is clear that Athletic are heading into one of the most demanding periods of their season. This isn’t just about collecting points; it’s about survival, identity and momentum. Ending the year strongly would offer an invaluable psychological lift before travelling to Saudi Arabia in early January to face FC Barcelona in the Supercopa de España semifinal, a competition Athletic traditionally feel competitive in.
A positive December would allow Valverde’s side to reach the Supercopa with belief restored, the squad emotionally recharged, and the fanbase dreaming again. A poor month could deepen doubts and fatigue.
Despite the inconsistency that has marked Athletic’s season from the very start, the team now enters a decisive stretch. Tough rivals, heavy pressure and little room for error define what comes next. December won’t just test them, it will determine who they really are this season.
FROM EUROPEAN NIGHT TO THE LEAGUE FIGHT: ATHLETIC’S JOURNEY SO FAR
By Alex Mineto
When the Champions League returned to San Mamés, expectations were high. Athletic Club aimed not just to compete, but to assert themselves again on European nights. But their campaign began with a sobering lesson.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: A ROUGH START
On 16 September 2025, Athletic welcomed Arsenal in their first group stage fixture. The Basques, energetic in their pressing and compact in structure, sought to unsettle the English side. But Arsenal’s depth and sharpness proved decisive. Gabriel Martinelli, introduced as a substitute, struck within 36 seconds to break the deadlock. Later, Leandro Trossard doubled the lead, making it 0–2 at San Mamés.
The margin of defeat might have flattered Arsenal — Athletic had periods of control and chances — but the difference was the efficiency and composure of the visitors’ bench.
It was a night that reminded Athletic supporters of Europe’s margins: a small lapse, a moment’s hesitation, and opportunities vanished.
Just a fortnight later, Athletic faced their second group match away at Borussia Dortmund. It was a harsher test. The German side overpowered the Basques, handing them a 4–1 defeat at Signal Iduna Park.
That result magnified the challenge ahead in Europe: Athletic’s dreams would demand consistency, defensive resilience, and attacking ruthlessness — especially when their schedule is squeezed by domestic commitments.
BACK TO LA LIGA: A MIXED RUN, BUT FIGHTING SPIRIT SURVIVES
Athletic 0–1 Deportivo Alavés
The first crack appeared in a tense Basque derby at San Mamés. Alavés arrived with a clear plan: sit deep, frustrate, and counter through pace. Athletic dominated possession yet found little space between Alavés’ compact lines.
Valverde’s men created chances through Iñaki Williams on the left, but the finishing touch was missing. The killer blow came late: a long ball over the top, a moment of hesitation from Unai Simón, and Luis Rioja poked home what proved the winner.
The defeat didn’t just end Athletic’s perfect start — it exposed a recurring issue: the struggle to break down low blocks when chasing the game.
Athletic Club 1-1 Girona
Athletic Club were held to a 1–1 draw by Girona at San Mamés in a rain-soaked encounter that swung dramatically after the break. Girona struck first through Ounahi, whose curling effort punished a sluggish first half from the hosts. Ernesto Valverde reacted decisively, making four changes at half-time, and the impact was instant. Substitute Jauregizar, full of energy and intent, pounced on a loose ball three minutes after the restart and unleashed a fierce shot to level the score. From then on, Athletic dominated, driven by the roar of the Cathedral. Aitor Paredes hit the post, Berenguer and Robert Navarro both went close, but Girona’s goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga produced several key saves to frustrate Athletic once again. Despite the missed chances, Athletic’s second-half revival offered encouragement: intensity, width, and the refusal to accept defeat. It was a draw that felt bittersweet — dropped points, perhaps, but renewed conviction.
Valencia 2–0 Athletic Club
If the Alavés loss was frustrating, the trip to Mestalla was alarming. Athletic were second best from the first whistle. Valencia pressed high, forcing mistakes in Athletic’s buildup.
A goal from Hugo Duro and a curling strike by Santamaría sealed a comfortable home win.
Athletic looked leggy after their European exertions, and Valverde’s rotation backfired. It was a reminder of the brutal reality of balancing domestic and continental football.
Villarreal CF 1-0 Athletic Club
Athletic Club fell 1–0 to Villarreal at La Cerámica in a match that could easily have gone the other way. Ernesto Valverde’s side started well, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough despite several promising chances. Oihan Sancet saw a close-range shot blocked, while young forward Alejandro Rego struck the post late on. Villarreal gradually grew into the game and found the decisive goal in the 76th minute, when Moleiro capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to beat Unai Simón. Athletic pushed hard in the closing stages but lacked precision in front of goal. To compound their frustration, Mikel Vesga limped off injured, adding to Valverde’s growing concerns.
Athletic Club 2-1 RCD Mallorca
Athletic Club returned to winning ways at San Mamés with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Mallorca, in a match that blended control, character and a touch of drama. Iñaki Williams opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside ten minutes, setting the tone for a dominant first half in which the Basques pressed high and dictated rhythm. Mallorca, however, struck back midway through the second period through Samu Costa’s precise long-range effort, momentarily silencing the Cathedral. The tension grew when Iñaki was forced off injured, but the home side refused to lose belief. Substitute Nico Williams injected pace, while Jesús Areso – one of the summer’s key signings – created the decisive moment. His clever run and low cross found youngster Alejandro Rego, who fired home his first goal for Athletic to seal the win. San Mamés erupted, celebrating not just three points, but the resilience of Valverde’s rejuvenated side.
ATHLETIC’S FIGHT TO STAY AMONG SPAIN’S ELITE
Athletic Club’s position in La Liga remains encouraging — sitting just outside the top four after a demanding start that has included Champions League fixtures. Ernesto Valverde’s men have shown resilience despite inconsistency, and staying within touching distance of Spain’s elite is absolutely vital.
The top four represents more than prestige: it’s the gateway to another season in the Champions League, the financial boost that sustains the club’s Basque-only model, and the proof that their footballing philosophy can compete with modern superclubs. The challenge now is balance. European nights test the squad’s depth, and injuries to key figures like Nico Williams or Iñaki Williams expose how thin the margins are. But the identity remains clear — intensity, youth, and unity.
If Athletic can keep pace with Atlético, Betis, and Villarreal through winter, they’ll not only protect their domestic position but ensure that the dream of back-to-back Champions League qualifications stays alive in Bilbao.
25/26 Transfer Review: Athletic Club
The 2025/26 LaLiga season has just begun, and Athletic Club find themselves at a crucial crossroads. The Basque side, known for its unique philosophy of fielding only players native to or trained in the Basque Country, has once again maneuvered cautiously in the transfer market while aiming to remain competitive in Spain's top flight.
Two seasons ago, they ended a 40-year drought by winning the 120th edition of the Copa del Rey against RCD Mallorca—a triumph that reignited belief among fans and restored a sense of pride to San Mamés. Last season, they secured a Champions League qualification after finishing in the 4th position in LaLiga. And this year, after a couple of ambitious signings, they are ready to challenge for silverware again and consolidate their status among Spain's elite.
TWO BIG SIGNINGS AND EVEN A BIGGER SURPRISE.
ATHLETIC CLUB has managed to find a substitute for Oscar de Marcos. After their latest captain, and the second player with more appearances in the history of the club, decided to retire after the 2025/2025 season, ATHLETIC CLUB needed a top right back and, on July 22nd, signed Jesus Areso after paying his 12M euros buy-out clause. A huge deal for the Basque team in terms of money, but a fantastique way to strengthen their defense, even though they were already the best defense in LaLiga 2024/2025.
However, that was not the first signing the ATHLETIC CLUB made during the latest transfer window. On the 23rd of June, the team from Bilbao announced the signing of Robert Navarro. The 23 year old winger finished his contract with RCD Mallorca and ATHLETIC CLUB signed him for free on a five year deal.
On the last day of the transfer window, Fabrizio Romano and his famous Here we Go confirmed that Aymeric Laporte was signing a contract with Athletic Club. Everything looked fine but the deal collapsed due to paperwork issues with Saudi club Al-Nassr. he Basque side expects a ruling from FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber and if the verdict goes against them, Athletic are prepared to bring the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
So we will need to wait to see how this Laporte situation ends, but if Athletic Club manages to unlock this situation, win the case and handle Laporte´s registration, it could be the best transfer window in Athletic Club´s history.
A STRONG LALIGA START AND THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DREAM
The 2025/26 LaLiga season could hardly have begun better for Athletic Club. Three matches, three wins, and a sense that Ernesto Valverde’s side are ready to push higher up the table than in recent years. The Basques have shown versatility—thriving in an end-to-end battle, grinding through a cagey encounter, and standing tall away from home. The season opener was pure drama. Against Sevilla, Athletic raced into a two-goal lead thanks to Nico Williams’ penalty and Maroan Sannadi’s sharp finish just before the interval. But football at San Mamés is never short of tension—Sevilla clawed their way back through Dodi Lukébakio and Lucien Agoumé, silencing the home crowd. It took a late intervention to swing it back. Robert Navarro (one of the new signings) , fed by the inspired Nico Williams, struck the decisive goal to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory. It wasn’t flawless defending, but it was a statement: Athletic will not crumble under pressure.
A week later, the mood at San Mamés was different—calmer, tighter, more tactical. Rayo Vallecano pressed high, forcing Athletic to stay compact and disciplined. For long spells, it looked like points would be dropped. Then came the breakthrough. Oihan Sancet, one of the team’s creative leaders, drew a foul inside the box and calmly dispatched the resulting penalty in the 66th minute. It wasn’t flashy, but the 1-0 win underlined Athletic’s ability to grind out results.
The third test came on the road, with Real Betis hosting at La Cartuja. Away days in Andalusia are never straightforward, but Athletic imposed themselves with maturity. A stroke of luck broke the deadlock—Marc Bartra’s own goal in the 60th minute. Yet luck favours the brave, and Athletic didn’t sit back. Aitor Paredes powered home a second late on, effectively killing the game. A stoppage-time strike from Cédric Bakambu made for a nervy finish, but Athletic walked away with a deserved 2-1 victory and a third straight win.
In September Athletic Club will also play its first Champions League match in 11 years, against Arsenal in La Catedral.. And after these promising results on the first LaLiga matches the Basque side and its fans are willing to dream. It is never easy to win in San Mames and Arsenal will suffer to take the 3 points back to London.
IT'S TIME TO DREAM, ATHLETICZALES!