Athletic Bilbao Vs. Real Valladolid: Los Leones Aim For Victory To Secure Top Four Positions

Nico Williams returns as a starter on the left side of the attack (photo: x @efry_vcf)

JAKARTA - Athletic Bilbao will continue their struggle to finish in the top four of La Liga at home to Real Valladolid at San Mames on Sunday 23 February. Los Leones are currently in fourth place with a four-point lead over Villarreal in fifth place, while Real Valladolid slumped at the bottom of the standings and eight points behind the safe zone.

This season will be one of the best for Athletic Bilbao, who have collected 45 points from 24 matches with 12 wins, nine draws, and three defeats. Piloya Valverde's side are even six points adrift of leaders Barcelona, although their realistic target is to secure a place in the Champions League next season.

Athletic last finished fourth in the 2013-14 season, and now they have the opportunity to repeat the feat. Their performance in the league was also impressive, unbeaten in the last 15 matches since October, although three of the last four games ended in a draw, including a 1-1 result against Espanyol last week.

Apart from La Liga, Athletic must also share their focus in European competitions, after it is certain that they will face AS Roma in the last 16 of the Europa League. However, they still have to focus on the league, especially when facing a team like Real Valladolid who is in a slump.

San Mames has been a difficult bulwark for their opponents this season. Athletic has a record third best home in La Liga with 25 points from 12 home games, while Real Valladolid is only able to get three points from 12 away matches.

Real Valladolid was further immersed in adversity after being massacred 4-0 by Sevilla last week. The defeat was the fifth in a row for Pucela, who is now increasingly threatened with relegation.

This situation made Valladolid's management fire Diego Cocca after just eight games leading the team. Alvaro Rubio is now appointed coach until the end of the season in an effort to save the team from relegation.

Despite the remaining 14 games, the mission to stay in La Liga seems very difficult for Valladolid. They have only collected 15 points from 24 matches with four wins, three draws, and 17 defeats. Even worse, they became the team with the lowest number of goals (15) and the worst defense (conceding 52 goals).

Valladolid's only hope was a 1-1 draw against Athletic in the first meeting of the season. However, during their last visit to San Malas in November 2022, they lost 3-0.

Athletic Bilbao will still be without Alvaro Djalo who has an ankle injury, while Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta is also expected to be absent due to a hamstring injury.

tipya Valverde kemungkinan hanya akan melakukan satu perubahan dari laga sebelumnya, dengan Nico Williams kembali sebagai starter di sisi kiri serangan. Perubahan ini akan mendorong Alex Berenguer ke posisi penyerang tengah.

Mikel Vesga and Gorka Guruzeta are also under coach consideration, but most likely they will still start from the bench.

Real Valladolid got good news with Marcos Andre's return from suspension. However, they lost Selim Amallah and Anuar Tuhami who were banned from playing.

Raul Moro is still absent due to a spinal cord injury, while Javi Sanchez is doubtful due to a muscle injury. Darwin Machis is likely to come in to replace Tuhami, while Marcos Andre can immediately return to the starting lineup to replace Juanmi Latasa.

Athletic Bilbao are clearly more favored to win this match. With a stable performance and strength at home, they have a great chance of adding three points and securing the top four of La Liga.

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1):Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro; Jauregizar, Prados; I Williams, Sancet, N Williams; Berengguer

Real Valladolid (4-5-1): Hein; Perez, Aidoo, Torres, Candela; Machis, Grillitsch, Nikitscher, Martin, Aznou; Andre