Wednesday, 29 February 2012

End of March league Schedule

Here are the confirmed schedule for upcoming league games of the Athletic Club :

Day 28 Valencia - Athletic Club, Sunday March 18 at 18:00 pm in San Mamés.

Week 29, AT.MADRID-Athletic Club, Wednesday 21 March at 20:00 at the Vicente Calderon.

Round 30, Athletic Club-Sporting, Sunday 25 March at 18:00 hours in San Mamés.

Athletic fans buying Manchester Utd tickets

The Athletic Club will sell for its members and partners 4138 tickets for the match between Thursday 8th March at Manchester United and Old Trafford Athletic Club. The locations may be withdrawn at the box office of San Mamés at a rate of one ticket per membership card, and with a limit of two cards per person, to finish the same. The box office will open on Thursday March 1 on an uninterrupted schedule from 09:30 to 20:00. The price of these tickets is 45 euros, and its acquisition is essential to identify both the buyer and the people attending the party, as well as travel and accommodation plan. If there was leftover tickets, the Club shall schedule ticket for Friday. Also, note that to address the need for travel by all partners to have input and so wish, Viajes Iberia, official agency of the Athletic Club, has organized flights on a day to Manchester. Reservations may be made at any branch of Viajes Iberia, or in the San Mamés own lockers, which enable a window to that effect.

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Brave Athletic defeated in Moscow


Athletic Bilbao travelled to Moscow on Thursday night in the last 32 of the Europa League for what looked to be a very even game against Lokomotiv Moscow.

The Russian team are currently on its annual winter break, so Lokomotiv lacked a little match sharpness.

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, came into the game on the back of an excellent series of results in recent months. They have lost just twice since the 17th of December, with one of those defeats coming at the hands of runaway league leaders Real Madrid.

The other, though came just last week, and Bilbao will hope to use Thursday's game to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

The game was moved from the Russian side's Lokomotiv Stadium to the Luzhniki Stadium, which has an artificial pitch that should be playable in any weather.

Felipe Caicedo's half-volley gave Lokomotiv a 2-1 comeback victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League tie on Thursday.
The Ecuadorian's winner came on 73 minutes, calmly placing the ball into the corner from 16 yards out after bringing down a tricky cross from the left.

Lokomotiv were comprehensively outplayed in a first half blighted by heavy snow, but the advantage swung the other way when the weather let up in the second half.

Athletic's 19-year-old striker Iker Muniain opened the scoring on 36 minutes, firing into the corner after Markel Susaeta drifted in from the right flank and beat two players to supply the assist.

Russia international Denis Glushakov equalized from the penalty spot in the second half after Caicedo was felled by Bilbao's Jon Aurtenetxe.

The second leg will be played at Athletic's San Mames stadium next Thursday (February 23rd).

The winner over the two legs will face another tough test in the round of 16 - they will take on either Manchester United or Ajax.

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

DOUBLE DREAM FOR BILBAO


Athletic Bilbao have their sights set on a cup double this season.

The Primera Liga outfit have already reached the final of the Copa del Rey, where they will face the might of Barcelona in late May.

Of more immediate concern is Thursday night's first leg of their Europa League round of 32 clash with Lokomotiv Moscow in sub-zero temperatures in the Luzhniki Stadium.

Although Lokomotiv have not played a competitive match since mid-December, given the Russian winter break, Athletic striker Iker Muniain is expecting a bitterly cold and tough encounter.

"They will be fresher, but this also brings with it a lack of rhythm that we already have which could be a big factor," said Muniain, whose side have lost just two of their last 14 matches in all competitions.

"What's clear is that it's going to be a very difficult game, but we're ready and focused on what awaits us, both with regard to the temperature and our opponents.

"We are going there with plenty of desire. Our objective is not only to get a goal, which would mean a lot for the return leg, but to go for the win.

"We want to do well in the Europa League, to get through the rounds, and hopefully we will get as far as in the Copa del Rey."

Despite their lack of a recent competitive edge, Lokomotiv enjoyed a near month-long training camp in Lagos, Portugal, before heading back to Moscow at the weekend.

Lokomotiv struck 10 goals without reply in two friendlies, beating Atletico of Lison 4-0 and Lagos 6-0, the latter game seeing Roman Pavlyuchenko make his debut following his recent move from Spurs.

Slovakia defender Jan Durica said: "I think we are in perfect physical condition.

"We are up against a decent contender but we need to show character. We need not fear anyone before taking to the field."

The winners, with the second leg in Bilbao next week, will face either Manchester United or Ajax in the last 16.

Friday, 10 February 2012

Real Betis v Athletic Bilbao Preview

Real Betis manager Pepe Mel has suggested he will make a raft of changes in an attempt to return to winning ways against Athletic Bilbao this weekend.

Mel's side have taken just one point from the past four games and face an Athletic side in high spirits after progressing to the Copa del Rey final in midweek.

He told the club's website: "We will do everything we can, including changing many things to avoid losing. For example, we need to up the intensity of our play, even more than the result the fans here demand that you leave everything on the pitch.

"Against the opponent we can't make mistakes, they are an intense team that plays good football. We have to do the same."

However Mel has taken some inspiration from Betis' 3-2 win at San Mames earlier in the season.

"We played very well in San Mames. All games are different but the have to show the aggression we did in that game," he said.

Mario is suspended for the hosts after being sent-off for the third time this season in the 1-0 defeat to Mallorca last weekend. Chechu Dorado should take his place in central defence and Nacho will regain his place at left-back.

Benat Extebarria will also return in midfield but with Mel hinting at a switch to a 4-3-3 there could even be starts for Jorge Molina and Jonathan Pereira.

Borja Ekiza had double reason to celebrate this week as he was rewarded with an extension to his contract after the cup semi-final victory over Mirandes.

He told Efe: "It is a very nice week for me, both on a personal and a collective level. To qualify for a final is always important and very positive for the team, it is great to be able to enjoy this with the fans.

"On a personal note I am very happy and thankful to the club because they continue to show faith in me."

Ander Herrera is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Espanyol last weekend so Gaizka Toquero is expected to support the on-form Fernando Llorente up front.

Ekiza expresses delight at contract extension

Borja Ekiza had double reason to celebrate this week as he was rewarded with an extension to his contract after the cup semi-final victory over Mirandes.

He told Efe: "It is a very nice week for me, both on a personal and a collective level. To qualify for a final is always important and very positive for the team, it is great to be able to enjoy this with the fans.

"On a personal note I am very happy and thankful to the club because they continue to show faith in me."

Thursday, 9 February 2012

Real Betis v Athletic Bilbao - Match facts

Athletic have won on their last two league visits to Betis.

The verdiblancos have scored in all but one of their last 12 league games at home to Athletic.

Betis have only won one of their last five league games against Athletic: the meeting earlier this season (W1 D1 L3).

The Basque side have scored in all but one of their last eight league games (except against Getafe).

Pepe Mel’s side are without a win in four in the league (D1 L3).

Bielsa’s men have lost just one of their last eight league away games, against Real Madrid (W3 D4).

Only Sporting (2) have kept fewer clean sheets in the league this season than Athletic (3).

The side from Sevilla have won the most points from goals scored in the last five minutes of league games this season (7), while Athletic have dropped the second-most in this period (8).

Fernando Llorente has scored in four consecutive league games for the first time this season: no player has scored in five in a row in 2011/12.

Athletic have won none of the five league games in which Aurtenetxe hasn’t played this season (D1 L4).

Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Joy for Bielsa as Athletic reach Final

Athletic Club Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted his delight this Wednesday morning, shortly after seeing his club qualify for the final of the Copa del Rey.

Two goals from Fernando Llorente helped Athletic seal a 6-2 win on the night and an 8-3 aggregate triumph against Mirandes.

It is the 36th time Athletic have reached a Cup final and means Bielsa has taken Athletic to the brink of a major title in his first season at the club.

"I am happy as we know what it means to get to the final, I am happy for the players, as they have fulfilled the objectives we set and I am happy because the whole event was a party for all of those who were here," said the coach, who was visibly emotional at the support given by the 40,000 Athletic fans in their San Mames Stadium.

"I have never seen a public as committed and as happy as those here. It is a great sensation when football provokes these emotions among the supporters," said Bielsa, who refused to comment whether or not the achievement would lead him to extend his contract with the club.

Athletic will play either Barcelona or Valencia, who face each other in the remaining semifinal, but the coach was unwilling to say which rival he would prefer.

"It is not for me to choose who we should play in the final. It is the competition that decides," he added.

Lions prove too strong for brave Miranées

They say all good things must come to an end, and this was the case tonight with goals from Iker Muniain, Markel Susaeta, Jon Aurtenetxe, two from Fernando Llorente and an own goal handing Athletic Bilbao passage to the Copa Del Rey final.

Athletic Bilbao had the advantage of being 2-1 up going into the second leg of their tie. But Mirandés still had hope after scoring a late goal in the first leg.

Bilbao started exceptionally well and took the lead when youngster Iker Muniain broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Athletic then scored soon after with De Marcos squaring it for Iraola who layed it off Susaeta, who finished off a great team goal. 2-0 Athletic on the night.

Athletic soon had one foot in the final when young left back Aurtenetxe was in the right place at the right time to head in De Marcos's cross. Half time with Athletic 3-0 up.

Mirandés did gain some pride when a scramble in the box after a corner was eventually put in the net by Aitor Blanco. That made it 3-1 on the night. But you could sense there were more Goals in this game.

With twenty minutes to go Athletic did score again this time with in-form striker Fernando Llorente. Whose shot had a deflection on the way in. Llorente then grabbed his second of the night when a cross from the right was put in the net by the big man.

Then the Crowd in San Mamés started chanting "si, si, si, vamos a Madrid!" Mirandés did score again when a Free-kick was saved and crossed back to Aitor Blanco who scored his second of the night.

Athletic scored again albeit an own goal from César. Then the referee blew the whistle for full time. Athletic winning 6-2 on the night. A great achievement for the Basque team on reachin their first final in 3 years.


It finished (8-3) on aggregate. But the third division team should be proud on what they have achieved. Especially when they consider they knocked out the likes of Villarreal, Racing Santader and Espanyol on their way to the semi's .

Athletic themselves will be happy with this performance tonight. They wait for the winner of the other leg which is on tomorrow night at the Nou Camp. Last seasons beaten finalists Barcelona play host to Valencia with the game evenly poised at 1-1 from the first leg.

The final acourse will take place at the end of May either in The Calderón or the Bernabéu, yet to be decided.

Saturday, 4 February 2012

Great Spectacle from European hopefuls.

In a colder than normal San Mames, Athletic Bilbao hosted fellow European hopefuls Espanyol. Both teams had been on good form of late. The lions with two wins and a draw in their last three home games. While Espanyol came into the fixture unbeaten in their last six league games, winning four and drawing two.

Athletic coach Marcel Bielsa made three changes for this game, with the Argentinian replacing Amorebieta, Ander and Susaeta with San Jose, Inigo Perez and David Lopez respectively. Clearly he had one eye on Tuesday's Copa Rel Rey second leg clash with Mirandes.
Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino handed a debut to new loan signing Coutinho and his other new signing Karl Uche was on the bench.

Right from the kick-off there was a great intensity from Athletic who were playing from left two right in the first half. Within the first ten minutes Athletic had the ball in the net but Llorente was adjudged to have foul a defender in the run up. Both team's exchanged shots and possession for a spell. But in the 26th minute De Marcos scored for the home team, an attempted clearance fell to the midfielder who was on hand to score the first goal of the game.

Soon Espanyol came into the game a bit more and forced a corner, which Athletic youngster finding himself booked for contesting it shouldn't have been a corner. The game was now being played at a high tiempo and end-to-end stuff from both teams. Espanyol's pressure finally paid off when the ball was played nicely to Romaric who slotted home the equaliser from the edge of the box into the bottom corner. Half-time.

When the players emerged after the break, Bielsa made two changes with Ander Herrera and Susaeta replacing Perez and Lopez. But in the 47th minute Espanyol took the lead through Slovakian midfielder Weiss's sublime shot. The lead was short lived, as they conceded a free in their own half. The ball was swung in and Fernando Lloente was on hand to score a trademark header and level the game.

With less than 30 minutes left New boy Coutinho was stretchered off and replaced. Moments after from an Ander cross Athletic scored again this time from Spanish International Javi Martinez. 3-2 Athletic lead. In form striker Llorente was then replaced by hard working striker Toquero, the latter making his 100th appearance for the Basques.

But as Athletic tried to hold onto the lead, Espanyol scored in stoppage time. This time the equaliser from Albin with a great finish. Full time and final score 3-3.

Arguably Athletic were the better team but failed to make a majority of possession play. They will be hoping these points dropped wont come back to haunt them in later stages of the season. Espanyol on their part played well and scored two terrific goals

Friday, 3 February 2012

Martinez Interview in Full

He told Spanish news agency Efe: "The reality is we are where we are and why can't we qualify for the Champions League?
"This team is very ambitious and we always want to be as high in the table as we can.
"We are fighting in three competitions, we are still alive in the league, the Europa League and the Copa del Rey and from now on all the games are finals because if you lose one you can be out of the running in any one of them."

Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol Match facts

Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol

Espanyol have failed to win on their last 10 league visits to San Mames (D4 L6).

Athletic have only failed to score in one of their last 15 league matches at home to Espanyol (0-1 in 00/01).

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have taken seven of the last possible nine points available at home in the league.

The Basque side have scored in six of their last seven league matches (except vs Getafe).

Mauricio Pochettino’s men are unbeaten in their last six league games (W4 D2).

Espanyol have scored have scored as many goals in their last six league games as in the 14 before this (11).

The Catalan side are, along with Valencia and Getafe, the team who have won the most matches by a single-goal margin in LigaBBVA this season (7).

Espanyol have conceded the most penalties on the road in the league this season (5).

The Periquitos’ last seven league goals have all been scored by different players.

Fernando Llorente has scored five of Athletic’s last six league goals, having netted just six times this season before this.


Thursday, 2 February 2012

Athletic Bilbao v Espanyol Preview

In This weekends game we our hosting Catalan side Espanyol in what should turn out to be an interesting encounter.
Both teams are pushing for champions League football next year after some positive results in recent weeks.

If we do pull off a win against Mauricio Pochettino’s men we could find ourselves Forth, but they are unbeaten in their last six league games (W4 D2).

Levante are playing Racing Santander this week If Racing pull off a result we could move ahead by one point of both teams (Espanyol, Levante) as both are currently on 31 points.

I don't expect Bielsa to make any changes for the clash, the same team that started against Mirandes should have little change. The team on the night was : Iraizoz, Iraola, JaviMtz, Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe, Iturraspe, Ander, DeMarcos, Susaeta, Muniain, Llorente.

If you take into consideration that Espanyol have failed to win on their last 10 league visits to San Mames (D4 L6), And the fact that we have taken seven of the last possible nine points available at home in the league.
I will be expecting a Win for Bielsa's men.

Plus you cannot doubt Llorente will have some say on the outcome of the game game in his rich vein of form lately.Since his return from injury earlier in the month, Llorente has returned to score a single goal against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu, a hat-trick against Rayo Vallecano and a double in the Copa del Rey against Mirandes.

I Will be expecting another Home win for the Basque Side who do have home advantage. Aupa Athletic.