Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
I have to agree. Nice layout.
Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
Inaki Williams scores with the final kick to give Athletic a much deserved point in Madrid.
Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
Athletic end August with the first win of the season, dominating 10 man Real Betis
Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
Agree that the layout is clean as hell, nice to see another LaLiga chise 
Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Club Drawn Into Challenging Champions League Group for 2025/26 Campaign
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Athletic Club return to the UEFA Champions League for the 2025/26 season, marking a new era under manager Andoni Iraola and signaling their resurgence on the European stage. The Basque side, backed by a passionate San Mamés crowd, will face a daunting yet intriguing group stage full of marquee clashes and difficult away trips.
The Lions open their campaign at home against Wolfsburg, a side known for its physicality and counterattacking threat. The San Mamés will be electric for Athletic’s Champions League return, and fans will expect a fast start.
From there, the road becomes increasingly difficult. Athletic travel to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb, a team that consistently provides upsets on European nights. That fixture will test Athletic’s ability to handle hostile atmospheres.
Perhaps the toughest challenge of the group awaits in Paris, where PSG—with their star-studded squad—host Iraola’s men. The clash at the Parc des Princes will be a measuring stick for just how far this Athletic side has come. Another demanding away trip follows in Germany, where RB Leipzig’s high-pressing style will push Athletic’s midfield discipline to the limit.
Back in Bilbao, the Lions will face Sporting CP, a club with a proud tradition of developing talent and competing fiercely in Europe. That home fixture could prove decisive in the battle for qualification. Athletic then head to Ukraine to face Dynamo Kyiv, a journey that comes with not only sporting challenges but also difficult conditions on the road.
The final stretch of the group is no easier. Athletic welcome Lazio, a dangerous Serie A side capable of controlling games through midfield dominance. To close the group stage, Athletic face the ultimate test: Manchester City at San Mamés. The reigning Premier League champions bring elite quality and European pedigree, but San Mamés has a history of producing unforgettable nights, and Athletic will believe in their ability to shock Europe.
For Iraola’s young and ambitious squad, this group is as much about proving themselves as it is about advancing. With emerging stars like Nico Williams and a revitalized defense led by Aymeric Laporte, Athletic have the tools to make life difficult for Europe’s elite.
Whether they can navigate this brutal group remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the return of Champions League nights to San Mamés will be an emotional and unmissable spectacle.
By: Guillermo Rai | Sept 05, 2025 _
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Proud to be Different | Athletic Bilbao
2025 Summer Transfer Window Closes: Barcelona Cashes In, Real Madrid Strengthens, Athletic Club bring back former star
By: Jesus Madone | Sept 07, 2025 The 2025 summer transfer window has officially closed, and Spain’s biggest clubs have made headlines with dramatic moves that could reshape the La Liga landscape. From Barcelona’s financial balancing act to Real Madrid’s aggressive reinforcements, Athletic Club’s smart squad management, and bold moves elsewhere in Spain, the summer has provided plenty of storylines.
Barcelona’s Difficult Departures
Barcelona’s financial troubles forced the club into tough decisions. In an effort to stabilize their books, the Catalan giants sold several of their most promising homegrown players:
Alejandro Balde to RB Leipzig
Pau Cubarsí to AC Milan
Pablo Gavi to Bayer Leverkusen
Marc Casadó to Inter Milan
Pros: These sales provide Barcelona with much-needed financial relief and help them comply with spending regulations. They also open the door for new tactical reshaping and opportunities for other academy products.
Cons: In losing core young talents like Gavi and Cubarsí, Barcelona risk sacrificing their long-term identity and future stability. The sales could haunt them if these players flourish abroad.
Real Madrid Goes All In
Meanwhile, Real Madrid strengthened in decisive fashion. The club added Premier League experience and quality with three major signings:
Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to add versatility in attack
Cristian Romero from Tottenham to bolster the defense
Reece James from Chelsea, bringing leadership and width from right-back
Pros: Madrid now boast both depth and star power, ensuring they remain contenders domestically and in Europe. The mix of Mbeumo’s dynamism, Romero’s defensive steel, and James’ overlapping runs could make them more balanced than ever.
Cons: The downside is the high cost—financially and in pressure. Integrating these players into a new system will take time, and with expectations sky-high, any slip could trigger criticism.
Athletic Club’s Balanced Approach
Athletic Club, true to tradition, operated within their unique transfer policy but still made notable moves. The big story was the return of Aymeric Laporte from the Middle East, adding world-class experience to the defense. On the outgoing side, midfielder Mikel Vesga departed for Celtic, while promising youngster Peio Canales was loaned out for development.
Pros: Laporte’s signing is a coup, bringing leadership, defensive quality, and European pedigree back to San Mamés. Vesga’s sale opens space for emerging midfielders, while Canales’ loan ensures he gains minutes elsewhere.
Cons: Relying too heavily on returning stars like Laporte could backfire if injuries arise. Vesga’s experience in midfield will be missed, and Athletic’s depth remains a concern compared to La Liga’s giants.
Villarreal Bring Home Pau Torres
Villarreal made headlines by re-signing Pau Torres, bringing back their academy product from Aston Villa. His return restores stability and identity to a defense that struggled for consistency last season.
Atlético Madrid Add Antonee Robinson
Atlético Madrid bolstered their backline with the signing of Antonee Robinson from Fulham. The U.S. international provides pace, defensive grit, and attacking runs from left-back, adding a fresh dimension to Diego Simeone’s squad.
Valencia Secure Rayan Aït-Nouri
Valencia addressed their long-term full-back needs by acquiring Rayan Aït-Nouri from Wolves. At just 24, the French-Algerian brings energy, versatility, and growth potential to a side looking to rebuild toward European contention.
The Verdict
The 2025 transfer window highlighted contrasting strategies: Barcelona reluctantly selling to survive, Real Madrid spending to dominate, Athletic Club aiming for balance, while Villarreal, Atlético, and Valencia made targeted moves to address key weaknesses.
Each approach carries risks—Barcelona could regret losing their future, Madrid could struggle to blend their stars, and Athletic must prove their stability can deliver results. Villarreal will count on Torres to solidify their defense, Atlético hope Robinson adapts quickly to Simeone’s demands, and Valencia are betting on Aït-Nouri’s upside.
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