"Starting with the hosts, while Athletic Bilbao might have watched their Copa del Rey adventure come to a frustrating end earlier in the month as they fell to a 1-0 loss against bitter local rivals Real Sociedad, Ernesto Valverde's side claimed an immediate response last time out. Claiming a 2-1 victory away at Real Oviedo, the one-time Barcelona boss now has his sights firmly set on punching another European adventure this season."
"Including an action-packed 4-2 win against Levante on February 8th, Bilbao have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Enjoying what has become their most fruitful spell of the 2025/26 campaign and registering seven points from their last three La Liga battles, the Lions will certainly be smelling a golden opportunity at San Mames on Friday night."
Athletic Bilbao seek to move within touching distance of the European spots hosting Elche at San Mames. Bilbao responded to a 1-0 Copa del Rey loss to Real Sociedad by beating Real Oviedo 2-1 and have won three of their previous four matches across competitions. Bilbao have registered seven points from their last three La Liga games and claimed an earlier 4-2 win over Levante. Nico Williams will miss weeks with a groin issue, while Benat Prados Diaz and Maroan Sannadi are sidelined with long-term knee injuries. Aymeric Laporte returns to central defence and Gorka Guruzeta will lead the attack. Elche sit one point above the relegation zone and face a prolonged crisis under Eder Sarabia.
Read at Soccer News
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