ATHLETIC CLUB IN DECEMBER: HIGHS, LOWS AND LESSONS LEARNED
By Alex Mineto
December was one of those months that really shows what Athletic Club is about: effort, heart, and sometimes frustration. Between tough La Liga matches, a solid night in Europe, and a professional cup game, the team gave moments to cheer and moments to scratch your head. Valverde’s side ended the year with work to do, but also with some signs that things can click when they stay focused.
Athletic Club 0–3 Real Madrid (La Liga, 3 December)
Starting the month against Real Madrid at San Mamés was always going to be tough, and it showed. Athletic tried to impose themselves early but Madrid quickly took control. Mistakes in midfield and at the back were punished immediately, and the game felt over before it really started. It wasn’t lack of effort — the players ran, pressed, and tried — but this result reminded everyone that Athletic still have a gap to close with the top teams.
Athletic Club 1–0 Atlético Madrid (La Liga, 6 December)
Then came a turnaround. Against Atlético, Athletic showed patience and grit. The game was tight and cagey, but they kept their shape, stayed solid at the back, and waited for a moment. That moment came when Álex Berenguer scored late after a nice move with Nico Williams. Unai Simón made some key saves too. It wasn’t pretty football, but it was smart football, and it gave fans a win that felt deserved. A big morale boost, especially after the Madrid disappointment.
Athletic Club 0–0 Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League, 10 December)
The PSG game was tricky. Athletic didn’t dominate, but they didn’t panic either. They defended well, kept shape, and managed to frustrate a team full of stars. No goals, few chances, but a point that feels valuable when you consider who the opponent was. It shows that when they are organised and disciplined, Athletic can hang with anyone.
Celta Vigo 2–0 Athletic Club (La Liga, 14 December)
The trip to Celta Vigo was the opposite story. Athletic struggled to create chances and made a couple of defensive mistakes that cost them. Celta were sharper and deserved the win. It’s becoming a pattern — Athletic look much stronger at San Mamés than on the road, and this is something they need to fix if they want to fight for the top spots.
Ourense CF 0–1 Athletic Club (Copa del Rey, 18 December)
The Copa del Rey match against Ourense was as expected: Athletic controlled it and got the win. The scoreline was tight, but they handled it professionally. Nothing spectacular, just the job done. This was important to avoid injuries and keep the squad fresh for the busy month.
Athletic Club 1–2 Espanyol (La Liga, 22 December)
To finish the year, Athletic had a lead at home against Espanyol and still lost. They started well but couldn’t keep the advantage, letting Espanyol take over in the second half. Defensive mistakes and poor game management cost them. It’s frustrating because they showed they can compete, but these slip-ups keep costing points.
JANUARY BRINGS BIG TESTS
January won’t give Athletic Club time to breathe. The month kicks off with the Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia, where they face Barcelona in the semi-final. A win there would be huge for confidence and silverware, but it’s a tough test against one of the league’s heavyweights, and the travel adds extra strain. Beyond the Supercopa, they’ll return to La Liga and the Copa del Rey, where every match counts for momentum and league positioning.
Managing the squad will be crucial. Injuries, fatigue, and rotation are all challenges Valverde will need to navigate carefully. The team showed in December that they can compete with strong opponents, but inconsistency and defensive lapses are still a problem. If they can tighten up at the back, maintain focus in key moments, and be a bit sharper in attack, Athletic have the tools to turn January into a month that builds confidence rather than frustration.
Ultimately, this period could define the season’s second half. A strong Supercopa performance combined with solid league and cup results could give Athletic a real push in all competitions. But if they fail to address the recurring issues that have cost them points, the early months of 2026 could become another reminder that effort alone isn’t enough — they need precision, focus, and a bit of luck. For Athletic fans, it promises to be a thrilling, nerve-wracking start to the year.
