Athletic Bilbao is set to face Espanyol in an exciting clash as they resume their La Liga campaign this Saturday afternoon at the iconic San Mames Barria. Following a disappointing defeat against Girona, the Basque side is eager to bounce back and reclaim their momentum in the league.
Currently, Athletic Bilbao holds the sixth position in the La Liga table with 14 points, just three points shy of the coveted fourth spot occupied by Villarreal. The team has had a mixed start to the season, recording four wins, two draws, and three defeats in their nine matches thus far. Their recent form has seen them pick up eight points from five home league games, showcasing their strength at home.
In their last outing before the international break, Athletic Bilbao faced a challenging match against Girona, where they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat. Despite an impressive equalizer from Oihan Sancet, the team was unable to secure a point as a last-minute penalty from Cristhian Stuani sealed their fate. This loss ended a six-game unbeaten streak for Ernesto Valverde’s side across all competitions, leaving them determined to return to winning ways.
On the other hand, Espanyol, currently sitting in 14th place with 10 points, is striving to solidify their position after gaining promotion back to La Liga through the 2023-24 Segunda Division playoffs. The Catalan team has had a rocky start to the season, registering three wins, one draw, and five defeats in their nine matches. They are four points clear of the relegation zone, but their recent form has been a cause for concern.
Espanyol’s last three league matches resulted in defeats against formidable opponents such as Real Madrid, Villarreal, and Real Betis. However, they managed to secure a much-needed victory before the international break, triumphing 2-1 over Mallorca, with goals from Marash Kumbulla and Jofre Carreras. This win has provided a boost of confidence as they look to build on their success and make it back-to-back victories.
Historically, Athletic Bilbao has had the upper hand against Espanyol, winning two of their last three league encounters. However, the last meeting at San Mames ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Espanyol back in September 2022, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this upcoming match.
As both teams prepare for this crucial fixture, fans can expect an intense battle on the pitch. Athletic Bilbao will be keen to leverage their home advantage and return to winning form, while Espanyol will aim to capitalize on their recent victory and find consistency in their performances. With both sides eager to secure valuable points, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter in the heart of La Liga.
Kick-off is scheduled for 1 PM UK time, and all eyes will be on San Mames Barria as Athletic Bilbao looks to reclaim their position in the upper echelons of the league while Espanyol seeks to establish themselves in Spain’s top flight.
