Athletic Bilbao continue their push for Champions League qualification as they host struggling Real Valladolid at San Mamés. The Lions currently sit fourth in La Liga, four points ahead of Villarreal, and remain unbeaten in their last 15 league matches. Real Valladolid arrive at San Mamés desperate to turn things around after a disastrous run of form.
Ernesto Valverde’s side are just six points behind league leaders Barcelona as they keep their faint title hopes alive. However, securing a top-four finish remains the main goal as they aim to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2014. Despite their strong form, Athletic have drawn three of their last four games, including a 1-1 result against Espanyol in their last outing. Their impressive home record—25 points from 12 matches—makes them clear favorites against Valladolid, who have struggled badly on the road.
In the Europa League, Bilbao finished the group stage in second place and now face Roma in the Round of 16.
Sitting bottom of La Liga and eight points adrift of safety, Valladolid suffered a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Sevilla last weekend, extending their losing streak to five matches. The club recently parted ways with head coach Diego Cocca after just two months in charge, appointing Álvaro Rubio as interim manager for the rest of the season.
With the worst attack (15 goals scored) and worst defense (52 goals conceded) in the league, Valladolid’s survival hopes are fading fast. Pucela did manage to hold Athletic to a 1-1 draw earlier this season but lost 3-0 on their last visit to San Mamés in November 2022. They will need a massive improvement to avoid another heavy defeat.
Athletic Bilbao will be without Álvaro Djaló and Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta. Nico Williams is expected to return to the starting lineup, pushing Álex Berenguer into the center-forward role. Mikel Vesga and Gorka Guruzeta remain likely options off the bench.
For Real Valladolid, Marcos André returns from suspension, but Selim Amallah and Anuar Tuhami will miss out due to bans. Raúl Moro remains sidelined with a collarbone injury, while Javi Sánchez is doubtful. Darwin Machís is set to start in midfield, and André could replace Juanmi Latasa in attack.
Athletic Bilbao possible lineup: Athletic Bilbao: Simón; Gorosabel, Vivian, Yeray, Boiro; Jauregizar, Prados; I. Williams, Sancet, N. Williams; Berenguer
Real Valladolid possible lineup: Hein; Pérez, Aidoo, Torres, Candela; Machís, Grillitsch, Nikitscher, Martín, Aznou; André
