Athletic Club, commonly known as Athletic Bilbao, is a professional football club based in Bilbao, Spain. Established in 1898, the team has a rich history and is renowned for its policy of fielding players native to or trained in the Basque Country. This unique approach has not hindered their success; they have secured the La Liga title eight times and the Copa del Rey 24 times, making them one of Spain’s most successful clubs.
Recent Performance:
- 2023–24 Season: Athletic Bilbao finished 5th in La Liga and clinched the Copa del Rey title, their first since 1984.
- 2024–25 Season: The team currently holds 4th place in La Liga. They are also competing in the UEFA Europa League, marking their return to European competitions after a seven-year absence.
Upcoming Match:
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 18:45 CET, Athletic Bilbao will face AS Roma in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 at their home ground, San Mamés. The team aims to overturn a 1-2 deficit from the first leg. Historically, Athletic has demonstrated resilience in similar situations, successfully reversing the same scoreline on three recent occasions. Notably, during the 2011-12 Europa League, they overcame a 1-2 first-leg loss to Sporting CP by winning 3-1 at San Mamés, propelling them to the final.
Player Spotlight:
Midfielder Oihan Sancet has been instrumental this season, leading as the top scorer with 13 goals in La Liga and 14 across all competitions.
Club Leadership:
- President: Jon Uriarte
- Head Coach: Ernesto Valverde
For more information, visit the official Athletic Club website.