Athletic Club Bilbao's Journey Begins with Fenerbahce in Istanbul
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Madrid (Spain), Dec 10 (NationPress) While there’s truly no place like home, Athletic Club Bilbao is preparing to travel to Istanbul to take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Wednesday. The team is aware that they may not return to their beloved San Mames Stadium for approximately a month and a half. After a 2-0 victory against Villarreal, which has helped them solidify their grip on fourth place in La Liga, Athletic heads to Istanbul just six points shy of the top of the table.
The Basque team has secured victories in all five matches since returning from the last international break, including a notable 2-1 win over Real Madrid last week. Currently, they sit second in the Europa League qualifying group, tied on points with Lazio after achieving four wins and one draw.
Defeating Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce would virtually guarantee Athletic a top-eight finish, although coach Ernesto Valverde is expected to make several adjustments to his lineup to keep his squad fresh during this hectic season, as reported by Xinhua.
Spain international Unai Simon is set to return as goalkeeper following his recovery from a wrist operation. He will be supported by a defense featuring Adama Boiro, Yeray Alvarez, and Andoni Gorosabal, all of whom have maintained a solid backline despite Valverde's rotations.
In midfield, Mikel Jauregizar is anticipated to partner with the impressive Oihan Sancet and either Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta or Mikel Vesga. Meanwhile, Spain forward Nico Williams will return to the attack after starting last Sunday’s match on the bench.
Nico will have the support of his brother Inaki along with either Alvaro Djalo or Gorka Guruzeta as Athletic seeks to continue their impressive streak.
This trip to Turkey marks the beginning of a potential nine-game away stretch for Athletic, with La Liga derbies against Alaves and Osasuna concluding 2024. Following that, they will initiate their Copa del Rey defense with a short journey to face Logrones, before heading to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they are set to play against Barcelona in the semifinal, potentially leading to a final against either Real Madrid or Mallorca.
Upon returning to Spain, they could face an away last-16 match in the Copa del Rey, followed by a visit to Celta Vigo in La Liga before embarking on another trip to Istanbul to face Besiktas in the Europa League.
Athletic will not return to San Mames Stadium until January 26th, when they will host Leganes in a league match.
