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.
