Athletic aims to cap off a great Europa League adventure

The Athletic Club strives for excellence in Türkiye. The Basque team travels to the Tüpras stadium to face Besiktas (kick-off at 4:30 p.m. in Bilbao, with refereeing by the Austrian Julian Weinberger). The objective is to validate its direct qualification for the round of 16 of the Europa League, by positioning itself among the eight best teams, which would have the benefit of avoiding the two matches in the play-off phase in February (round of 16), while having the advantage of playing the return match in San Mamés.

The lions are joint leaders with Lazio, having collected 16 points from a possible 18. After a meritorious opening match in Rome, Athletic went on a five-game winning streak against AZ Alkmaar, Slavia Prague, Ludogorets, Elfsborg and Fenerbahçe. A draw or victory in this meeting would guarantee their qualification. Even a defeat could be enough, as they are currently five points ahead of ninth, with only two games remaining in this group stage. So there is a lot at stake this afternoon in Istanbul.

The task promises to be difficult. The Besiktas team, which plays at the Turkish elite level, is in great difficulty. They occupy 28th place with only six points, the result of two victories (against Olympique Lyonnais away and Malmö at home) and four defeats against Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Bodo Glimt, including two in the last few days. They urgently need to win in order to hope to place themselves between ninth and twenty-fourth place, which would give them access to the play-off phase scheduled for February 13 and 20.

Sixth in the championship

Nicknamed The Black Eagles, Besiktas are currently sixth in their national league, with 31 points in 19 matches, after a record of eight wins, seven draws and four defeats, having scored 28 goals while conceding 20. On their home field, they have six wins, two draws and two defeats. They are 20 points behind the leader, Galatasaray, who drew with Dynamo kyiv in the first meeting of the seventh day (3-3). These results do not live up to expectations, especially after the very recent change of coach. Ole Gunnar Solskjaerlegendary former Manchester United striker, has taken charge of the team, and this afternoon will mark his first step in trying to turn things around in this second continental competition.

In the Besiktas squad, a familiar face for Spanish football, the defender Gabriel Paulistais doubtful for the match. Their key striker is the Italian Ciro Immobilethe team’s top scorer in the Superlig with ten goals, including five from the penalty spot. The team also has a large number of Turkish selections.

Valverde summoned 25 players, including young people Mikel Santos et Peio Canales. Alone Sancetdue to his injury, remained in Bilbao. The latter began working alone to recover from a sprained ankle suffered a month ago in El Sadar. The coach could start some players who did not start in the last meeting at Balaídos. From Mark, Paredes, Yuri, palace et Turn around could find a starting place, while also preparing for the new championship meeting at home against Leganés on Sunday. The real question remains: who will defend the goals? Unai Simon or Julen Agirrezabala ? The answer lies in the hands of Valverde.