After the highs of Thursday evening Athletic continued to frustrate in the league away to relegation threatened Real Zaragoza. The home side showed more desire and deservedly won 2-0 to keep up their hopes of survival.
Bielsa decided to rest three key players notably Muniain, Llorente and Martinez perhaps showing that the two cup finals to come next month are at the forefront of his mind rather than the fading hopes of Champions League football. Without Martinez they lack composure in defence, without Muniain creative options are limited and without Llorente the attack lacks a spearhead but atleast the decision to rest them will ensure that they are available for the big games to come.
The first half lacked flow as neither side was able to dominate the other. Athletic looked at their most dangerous from set pieces as first Ibai Gomez and then Inigo Perez troubled goalkeeper Roberto. As the game approached the half hour mark Zaragoza began to dominate as striker Helder Postiga struck the base of the post shorty before Edu Oriol broke the deadlock. In the 28th minute the midfielder weaves between three defenders and finished low with his left foot.
In the second half Athletic really began to dominate possession but failed to create any meaningful changes. They had fallen further behind after a free-kick from Apono was weakly parried by Irazioz in to the corner of his own net. Rested players Susaeta, Llorente and Muniain did make appearances off the bench but they were unable to change the game and 2-0 it remained.
Jack Dennison @jpkd
Sunday, 29 April 2012
Friday, 27 April 2012
Athletic 3 Sporting 1: Llorente and Ibai inspire heroic Athletic win
If ever a single moment could sum up as clubs whole season it would be Fernando Llorente's reaction to the final whistle after Thursday nights Europa League final. Once Athletic's place in the final was confirmed by a 3-1 victory on the night and 4-3 on aggregate the striker collapsed to the ground in tears alone in the corner of the pitch. Initially he was ignored by the multitude of teammates who converged in the centre of the pitch but they soon surrounded the floored striker in united celebration of their achievement.
From the very start Athletic made all the running. Up front Fernando Llorente was at his physical best as Sporting defenders bounced off his 6 ft 5 inch frame. Behind the big man three advanced midfielders Iker Muniain, Markel Susaeta and Ibai Gomez rotated from left to right. Iker Munain relished the opportunity to take up the central role and dictated many of Athletic's intricate attacks along with Ander Herrera. Out wide Suseata and Gomez had a large variety of long diagonals and short passes to mix up their approach. It was in the 18th minute that Los Leones were rewarded with the opening goal. When three Athletic players confronted a single Sporting defender space opened up for Muniain who appeared on the right flank. As usual Llorente was the target for Muniain's cross but rather than have an attempt on goal himself he cushioned the ball down to Susaeta who volleyed his opportunity in to the back of the net.
The first half came to a manic end when both sides exchanged goals to leave the game level on aggregate at 3-3 at half time. Sporting's dangerman Ricky van Wolfswinkel pounced on a poorly cleared corner to rifle home from the edge of the area. For Athletic's second Llorente's link up play was once again crucial. On the edge of the area the Spanish international dragged the ball away from his marker and in the same movement laid the ball to Gomez to finish the move. The game was finely poised much like Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich the night before.
Shortly after half-time both side struck the post. First Javi Martinez rose above his marker to glance a header on to the post from an Ibai Gomez corner. Sporting also struck the post from a set piece when Emiliano Insua's free-kick was deflected on to the upright. Athletic continued to dominate the game as the clock ticked down towards the 90th minute but both sides looked a little cautious and both sides were guilty of gamesmanship in the latter stages. The longer the game went on the more important the next goal became. Fortunately for the home fans it was Llorente who grabbed the winner with just 2 minutes remaining. Ibai went around his full-back and crossed the ball to Llorente who got ahead of his marker, like he had done for much of the game, and his right foot shoot beat the goalkeeper at his near post.
After a prolonged period of injury time, and three late Bielsa substitutions, the final whistle blew and the San Mames erupted in the knowledge that hey had made it to their first European Cup final since 1977 when they lost to Juventus on away goals after a 2-2 draw across two legs. In 13 days time they will meet fellow Spanish opponents Athletico Madrid in Bucharest. After a night of quality attacking football there were so many impressive performances from Athletic's forward players but it was Llorente who stood out from the crowd. His link-up play and physical presence was second to none and it created many opportunities for the players around him. The Europa League final will be a fantastic game and Athletic have a chance of making history for the club and nobody would deny them after a fantastic run that has seen them knock out PSG, Lokomotiv Moscow, Manchester United, Schalke and now Sporting.
From the very start Athletic made all the running. Up front Fernando Llorente was at his physical best as Sporting defenders bounced off his 6 ft 5 inch frame. Behind the big man three advanced midfielders Iker Muniain, Markel Susaeta and Ibai Gomez rotated from left to right. Iker Munain relished the opportunity to take up the central role and dictated many of Athletic's intricate attacks along with Ander Herrera. Out wide Suseata and Gomez had a large variety of long diagonals and short passes to mix up their approach. It was in the 18th minute that Los Leones were rewarded with the opening goal. When three Athletic players confronted a single Sporting defender space opened up for Muniain who appeared on the right flank. As usual Llorente was the target for Muniain's cross but rather than have an attempt on goal himself he cushioned the ball down to Susaeta who volleyed his opportunity in to the back of the net.
The first half came to a manic end when both sides exchanged goals to leave the game level on aggregate at 3-3 at half time. Sporting's dangerman Ricky van Wolfswinkel pounced on a poorly cleared corner to rifle home from the edge of the area. For Athletic's second Llorente's link up play was once again crucial. On the edge of the area the Spanish international dragged the ball away from his marker and in the same movement laid the ball to Gomez to finish the move. The game was finely poised much like Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich the night before.
Shortly after half-time both side struck the post. First Javi Martinez rose above his marker to glance a header on to the post from an Ibai Gomez corner. Sporting also struck the post from a set piece when Emiliano Insua's free-kick was deflected on to the upright. Athletic continued to dominate the game as the clock ticked down towards the 90th minute but both sides looked a little cautious and both sides were guilty of gamesmanship in the latter stages. The longer the game went on the more important the next goal became. Fortunately for the home fans it was Llorente who grabbed the winner with just 2 minutes remaining. Ibai went around his full-back and crossed the ball to Llorente who got ahead of his marker, like he had done for much of the game, and his right foot shoot beat the goalkeeper at his near post.
After a prolonged period of injury time, and three late Bielsa substitutions, the final whistle blew and the San Mames erupted in the knowledge that hey had made it to their first European Cup final since 1977 when they lost to Juventus on away goals after a 2-2 draw across two legs. In 13 days time they will meet fellow Spanish opponents Athletico Madrid in Bucharest. After a night of quality attacking football there were so many impressive performances from Athletic's forward players but it was Llorente who stood out from the crowd. His link-up play and physical presence was second to none and it created many opportunities for the players around him. The Europa League final will be a fantastic game and Athletic have a chance of making history for the club and nobody would deny them after a fantastic run that has seen them knock out PSG, Lokomotiv Moscow, Manchester United, Schalke and now Sporting.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Iraola says Athletic must attack with caution
Andoni Iraola has warned his Athletic Club team-mates that mistakes will not be tolerated as the Basque outfit prepare to host Sporting Clube de Portugal in a tie that remains in the balance.
Athletic were set to put a tentative foot in May's UEFA Europa League final as they went into the concluding 15 minutes of last week's away leg leading 1-0; two late Sporting goals changed the complexion of the tie. The Spanish side were left to rue their failure to see out the win, and their skipper, Iraola, is determined there will be no repeat at San Mamés on Thursday.
"Sporting are coming here with a lead so the onus is on us to reverse the situation," he said on the eve of the game. "Both sides realise that the scoreline after the first leg leaves the tie wide open and while I expect it will be an open match, any mistakes could be punished severely. I am sure they will be watching out for us letting our guard down, to get in behind us and punish us."
A few teams have done that over the past month, a difficult period when Athletic's eye-catching campaign threatened to derail. They look to be getting back on track now, though, enjoying their third 1-0 win in five outings at the weekend. Another against Sporting would take them through to only their second European showpiece, having finished runners-up in the 1976/77 UEFA Cup – not that Iraola needs reminding.
"The anticipation ahead of this game is as great as I can recall in these parts in recent years, even if we are no stranger to important matches," he said. "It is an occasion that offers us the chance to create history and help the club into what would be a second European final. We know how Sporting play. We have to attack without fear in order to turn the situation around."
No fear, but no recklessness either. Having been stung in Lisbon first by Emiliano Insúa's header and then a stunning effort from Spanish international Diego Capel, they know it will not be easy. "Diego Capel demonstrated in the first leg just how dangerous he can be," cautioned Iraola. "Both he and Daniel Carriçó have to be watched as they offer a real threat. Sporting are very good on the counterattack so we will have to be wary."
Athletic were set to put a tentative foot in May's UEFA Europa League final as they went into the concluding 15 minutes of last week's away leg leading 1-0; two late Sporting goals changed the complexion of the tie. The Spanish side were left to rue their failure to see out the win, and their skipper, Iraola, is determined there will be no repeat at San Mamés on Thursday.
"Sporting are coming here with a lead so the onus is on us to reverse the situation," he said on the eve of the game. "Both sides realise that the scoreline after the first leg leaves the tie wide open and while I expect it will be an open match, any mistakes could be punished severely. I am sure they will be watching out for us letting our guard down, to get in behind us and punish us."
A few teams have done that over the past month, a difficult period when Athletic's eye-catching campaign threatened to derail. They look to be getting back on track now, though, enjoying their third 1-0 win in five outings at the weekend. Another against Sporting would take them through to only their second European showpiece, having finished runners-up in the 1976/77 UEFA Cup – not that Iraola needs reminding.
"The anticipation ahead of this game is as great as I can recall in these parts in recent years, even if we are no stranger to important matches," he said. "It is an occasion that offers us the chance to create history and help the club into what would be a second European final. We know how Sporting play. We have to attack without fear in order to turn the situation around."
No fear, but no recklessness either. Having been stung in Lisbon first by Emiliano Insúa's header and then a stunning effort from Spanish international Diego Capel, they know it will not be easy. "Diego Capel demonstrated in the first leg just how dangerous he can be," cautioned Iraola. "Both he and Daniel Carriçó have to be watched as they offer a real threat. Sporting are very good on the counterattack so we will have to be wary."
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Racing 0 Athletic 1 - A comfortable win for Athletic
Athletic cruised to a comfortable 1-0 victory away at local rivals Racing Santander on Sunday afternoon. Coach Marcelo Bielsa rested his two key forwards ahead of Thursday night's Europa League semi-final against Sporting Lisbon with Fernando Llorente on the bench and Iker Muniain not even in the match squad. Gazika Toquero and Ibai Gomez came in to the side alongside centre-back Javi Martinez who returned to the side following suspension mid-week to replace Borja Ekiza. While the side looked a little less ruthless without Llorente on the field the return of Martinez ensured that they were more composed in possession.
The early lead was secured by Toquero, playing ahead of the rested Llorente, in the 12th minute of the match. An Ander Herrera through-ball slide between two Racing defenders and Toquero was on hand to slot past goalkeeper Mario Fernandez. The scoreline could easily have been 3-0 to the visitors at half-time as Toquero and Markel Susaeta were guilty of wasting simple chances. Just after the half hour mark, Toquero once again broke beyond the Sporting defence and rounded the goalkeeper only to step on the ball allowing the retreating defenders to clear the danger. Just moments later Susaeta got on the end of an Oscar De Marcos cross and was presented with a 3 yard tap-in but his weak attempt found the goalkeepers hands.
Racing appeared resigned to relegation and offered little going forwards and allowed Athletic to dominate possession. Irazioz, in the Athletic goal, was called upon occasionally in the first half but he was not truly tested until the 66th minute when he blocked a one-on-one effort from Lautaro Acosta. Racing's most dangerous player was often captain Pedro Munitis but although they had the better of the game in the second half they but failed to break down a stern Athletic defence. In the dying moments Racing's best chance of the game fell to Papa Dioup but his shot was too close to Irazioz who got down low to make the stop.
The biggest talking point of the game was over Bielsa's decision not to rest midfielder Ander who has been struggling for fitness recently. The Argentine also chose to bring on Llorente for the final 30 minutes despite the score being 1-0. The coach must now decide who will play instead of the suspended Oscar De Marcos on Thursday night. It is possible that Iker Muniain could be deployed through the middle with one of either David Lopez, Gaizka Toquero or most likely Ibai Gomez down the left hand side of his forward line as injuries and a small squad size limit the number of options in central midfield. All-in-all the victory over Racing was enough to put Los Leones up to 6th in the table, their highest position since victory of Manchester United in the Europa League, and the dreams of Champions League football remain an unlikely possibility.
Jack Dennison (@JPKD)
The early lead was secured by Toquero, playing ahead of the rested Llorente, in the 12th minute of the match. An Ander Herrera through-ball slide between two Racing defenders and Toquero was on hand to slot past goalkeeper Mario Fernandez. The scoreline could easily have been 3-0 to the visitors at half-time as Toquero and Markel Susaeta were guilty of wasting simple chances. Just after the half hour mark, Toquero once again broke beyond the Sporting defence and rounded the goalkeeper only to step on the ball allowing the retreating defenders to clear the danger. Just moments later Susaeta got on the end of an Oscar De Marcos cross and was presented with a 3 yard tap-in but his weak attempt found the goalkeepers hands.
Racing appeared resigned to relegation and offered little going forwards and allowed Athletic to dominate possession. Irazioz, in the Athletic goal, was called upon occasionally in the first half but he was not truly tested until the 66th minute when he blocked a one-on-one effort from Lautaro Acosta. Racing's most dangerous player was often captain Pedro Munitis but although they had the better of the game in the second half they but failed to break down a stern Athletic defence. In the dying moments Racing's best chance of the game fell to Papa Dioup but his shot was too close to Irazioz who got down low to make the stop.
The biggest talking point of the game was over Bielsa's decision not to rest midfielder Ander who has been struggling for fitness recently. The Argentine also chose to bring on Llorente for the final 30 minutes despite the score being 1-0. The coach must now decide who will play instead of the suspended Oscar De Marcos on Thursday night. It is possible that Iker Muniain could be deployed through the middle with one of either David Lopez, Gaizka Toquero or most likely Ibai Gomez down the left hand side of his forward line as injuries and a small squad size limit the number of options in central midfield. All-in-all the victory over Racing was enough to put Los Leones up to 6th in the table, their highest position since victory of Manchester United in the Europa League, and the dreams of Champions League football remain an unlikely possibility.
Jack Dennison (@JPKD)
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Sporting Lisbon 2 Athletic Bilbao 1: Semi-final remains in the balance late Sporting comeback
Sadly for Athletic it was not the total domination of the away trip to Old Trafford neither was it the 'smash and grab' victory away at Schalke. Instead Les Leones once again need to overturn a 2-1 away defeat next week at San Mames; like they did against Lokomotiv Moscow. The result is far from disastrous thanks to Jon Aurtenetxe's away goal but it could have been far worse given the domination of the home side for the majority of the game.
From the very start Sporting looked like the brightest side pressing Athletic and disrupting their passing game. Ricky van Wolfswinkel came closer than anyone in the first half when his early shot on the turn fizzed past Irazioz in goal. The most significant action for Athletic in the first half came in the tenth minute when midfielder Oscar De Marcos picked up a yellow card for a foul on Diego Capel. As a result De Marcos will miss the return leg while Athletic will miss his runs from midfield beyond Llorente.
As the first half went on Iker Muniain moved in to an increasingly central position and he took up a more central role in the game but Athletic looked most dangerous from set pieces when Llorente headed over from a corner in the 12th minute. After half time Athletic did indeed succeed from a set piece. Markel Suseata supplied a free-kick from the right hand side and after a deflection the ball fell to Aurtenetxe who slotted home past goalkeeper Rui Patricio. The lead could have been doubled on the hour mark when Fernando Amorebieta struck the foot of the right-hand post just before the hour mark.
After Athletic's strongest spell of pressure Sporting's equaliser came as something of a shock. The goal came from an unlikely source in the form of former Liverpool left back Emiliano Insua. Diego Capel's cross was poorly cleared and Insua capitalised as he headed in from 10 yards. For the remaining 15 minutes Sporting dominated and may rue not scoring a third before the final whistle. Though they did though score a second. Diego Capel cut inside from his right hand flank before finding the bottom corner with his left foot. The best chance of the final moments was indeed for Sporting. Bruno Perierinha blasted his shot over the bar when he could have scored the decisive goal in the tie.
While Athletic are behind in the tie they can take solace in their away goal and the knowledge that tempo setting centre back Javi Martinez will return from suspension next Thursday. While the loss of De Marcos will not be insignificant a 1-0 victory will see Athletic through to an all Spanish final against either Valencia or Athletio Madrid; the latter running-out 4-2 winners last night in Madrid. After a dramatic night of Iberian football each of the four semi-finalists could yet make the final on May 9th.
This match was watched by Jack Dennison. Follow him on twitter - @JPKD
From the very start Sporting looked like the brightest side pressing Athletic and disrupting their passing game. Ricky van Wolfswinkel came closer than anyone in the first half when his early shot on the turn fizzed past Irazioz in goal. The most significant action for Athletic in the first half came in the tenth minute when midfielder Oscar De Marcos picked up a yellow card for a foul on Diego Capel. As a result De Marcos will miss the return leg while Athletic will miss his runs from midfield beyond Llorente.
As the first half went on Iker Muniain moved in to an increasingly central position and he took up a more central role in the game but Athletic looked most dangerous from set pieces when Llorente headed over from a corner in the 12th minute. After half time Athletic did indeed succeed from a set piece. Markel Suseata supplied a free-kick from the right hand side and after a deflection the ball fell to Aurtenetxe who slotted home past goalkeeper Rui Patricio. The lead could have been doubled on the hour mark when Fernando Amorebieta struck the foot of the right-hand post just before the hour mark.
After Athletic's strongest spell of pressure Sporting's equaliser came as something of a shock. The goal came from an unlikely source in the form of former Liverpool left back Emiliano Insua. Diego Capel's cross was poorly cleared and Insua capitalised as he headed in from 10 yards. For the remaining 15 minutes Sporting dominated and may rue not scoring a third before the final whistle. Though they did though score a second. Diego Capel cut inside from his right hand flank before finding the bottom corner with his left foot. The best chance of the final moments was indeed for Sporting. Bruno Perierinha blasted his shot over the bar when he could have scored the decisive goal in the tie.
While Athletic are behind in the tie they can take solace in their away goal and the knowledge that tempo setting centre back Javi Martinez will return from suspension next Thursday. While the loss of De Marcos will not be insignificant a 1-0 victory will see Athletic through to an all Spanish final against either Valencia or Athletio Madrid; the latter running-out 4-2 winners last night in Madrid. After a dramatic night of Iberian football each of the four semi-finalists could yet make the final on May 9th.
This match was watched by Jack Dennison. Follow him on twitter - @JPKD
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Athletic great Andoni Goikoetxea has backed his former club to be in next months final in Bucharest
The Basque club, coached by the eccentric Marcelo Bielsa, are aiming for a meeting on May 9 against Atletico Madrid or Valencia, who start the other semi-final at the Calderon on Thursday.
Goikoetxea was part of the Bilbao side knocked out of the old UEFA Cup by Sporting 27 years ago, the only previous meeting between the sides.
"It will be tough but I'm optimistic because I think Bilbao are a better team, and for this reason I'm convinced they will play the final," the former Spain international told sports daily Marca.
"This team has the chance to make history. They already have a King's Cup final (against Barcelona next month) and we'll see what happens in the Europa League."
Bilbao have never won a European trophy but have thrilled neutral fans with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Manchester United and a 6-4 roller-coaster win over Schalke 04 in the quarter-finals.
The club, who only field Basque-born players, have been praised for their dynamic, attack-minded approach, particularly on the road where they scored three times at Old Trafford and four in Gelsenkirchen. They start their semi in Lisbon.
"Bilbao have a clearly defined style and they never go out to defend," Goikoetxea added. "They are very quick, and are very strong down the flanks.
"Their best games have been against the big clubs, especially against Manchester United, and for that reason they have won European-wide recognition."
Goikoetxea was part of the Bilbao side knocked out of the old UEFA Cup by Sporting 27 years ago, the only previous meeting between the sides.
"It will be tough but I'm optimistic because I think Bilbao are a better team, and for this reason I'm convinced they will play the final," the former Spain international told sports daily Marca.
"This team has the chance to make history. They already have a King's Cup final (against Barcelona next month) and we'll see what happens in the Europa League."
Bilbao have never won a European trophy but have thrilled neutral fans with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Manchester United and a 6-4 roller-coaster win over Schalke 04 in the quarter-finals.
The club, who only field Basque-born players, have been praised for their dynamic, attack-minded approach, particularly on the road where they scored three times at Old Trafford and four in Gelsenkirchen. They start their semi in Lisbon.
"Bilbao have a clearly defined style and they never go out to defend," Goikoetxea added. "They are very quick, and are very strong down the flanks.
"Their best games have been against the big clubs, especially against Manchester United, and for that reason they have won European-wide recognition."
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