The Zurigorri fans showed unwavering support for their team as they returned to Europe, while the Dutch supporters remained conspicuously silent.
Yesterday was the day everyone had been waiting for. The excitement was palpable as Athletic Club graced the European stage once more. The red-and-white outfit faced AZ Alkmaar in their first continental match at San Mamés in six and a half years. The last time was on March 15, 2018, against Olympique de Marseille, which resulted in the lions’ exit from the Europa League.
Under the guidance of coach Valverde, they secured a respectable draw the previous Thursday in Rome. However, that result was marred by the unfortunate incidents involving a group of zealous fans. As anticipation built yesterday, the shadows of past confrontations with radical groups from Spartak Moscow and Marseille loomed large, but calm eventually prevailed. It was football and only football at La Catedral.
The Zurigorri fans were in full voice, in stark contrast to their Dutch counterparts, who went completely unnoticed. They failed to make their presence felt, even when their side was in desperate need of support to level the scores after Iñaki Williams found the net in the 72nd minute.
Fans flooded the streets surrounding San Mamés from the early afternoon, and the anticipated security arrangements were in place, particularly after the events of September 26 in the eternal city. By 6 PM, a unit of the Ertzaintza was overseeing the exit of children from the Pureza de María school located on Sabino Arana Street and soon after secured the area at the stadium’s confluence with the School of Engineers to facilitate the arrival of the Dutch team’s bus. The aim was to prevent any potential altercations in the streets.
The access area for visiting fans was cordoned off two hours before kick-off. The entry of approximately 300 supporters into the designated visitors’ section proceeded without incident, enforced by a strong police presence. By 7 PM, AZ Alkmaar fans were already in the stands, chanting in support of their team.
The popular stand of Athletic began to rally their team half an hour before kick-off. The best chances in the first half fell to the lions, notably a powerful shot from Yuri Berchiche that rattled the crossbar. The left-back from Zarautz was involved in two other similar efforts. The visitors’ best opportunity came from a strike by Van Bommel, which was comfortably saved by Julen Agirrezabala. The match started brightly but gradually faded as the minutes wore on, much like the Dutch fans, who slipped quietly away.
A significant turnout was anticipated, given that 85% of club members had purchased the package for all four home matches in the Europa League group stage. However, the final attendance was 46,328, well short of the record set last season during the semi-final return leg against Atlético (52,061).
In any case, the crowd left happy after witnessing their team back in Europe and claiming their first victory in the competition.
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