Aitor Herrera and Athletic Bilbao - A Match Made in Heaven

[Klippybo]

FEBRUARY

Copa del Rey Semi-Final 2nd Leg
v
​​Atletico Madrid 0
Athletic Bilbao 0
(Agg: 1-3)

Lineup - Simon*, De Marcos, Martinez, Yeray, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet, Hervias, Morilla, Muniain (Cordoba), Williams (Villalibre)

Atletico dominated but couldn't score as we reach our 3rd successive Copa del Rey final and with our opponents being Deportivo I am confident of a 3rd successive win.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Morilla 14, 82)
Espanyol 0

Lineup - Simon, Capa, Yeray, Laporte (Lopez), Ganea, Dani Garcia, Nolaskoain, Williams, Morilla*, Muniain (Adria), Cordoba

I have been waiting for a long time for Pelayo Morilla to command a game and be the difference and I finally saw that here with his 2 goal showing.

--

UEFA Champions League 1st Round 1st Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Liverpool 0

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos (Capa), Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Hervias, Muniain, Cordoba, Williams (Villalibre)

Liverpool may be the reigning champions of this tournament but they were poor here and I am disappointed that we didn't get a goal given our dominance in the match.

--

v
Valencia 0
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Simon*, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Dani Garcia), Hervias, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Williams (Cordoba)

We seem to like 0-0 draws at the moment. This was a nothing game tbh and at least Ander Herrera didn't come back to haunt us.

--

v
Eibar 1 (Leon 52)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Hervias 30, Williams 65)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Hervias, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Williams

Barcelona lost to Sevilla so we move 4pts clear at the top of the table.

--

v
Malaga 1 (Silva 30)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Laporte 20, Williams 44, Saizar 88)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe, Dani Garcia (Nolaskoain), Hervias, Unai Lopez (Saizar*), Muniain, Williams

We go 7pts clear with this win as Barcelona slipped up again. Alberto Saizar got his first goal for us here.

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 0
Sevilla 0

Lineup - Simon, Capa, Martinez, Yeray, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Nolaskoain), Hervias, Unai Lopez (Saizar), Muniain, Williams (Cordoba)

Barcelona dropped another 2pts so we missed out on another opportunity to extend the lead at the top of the table. Ander Capa missed an early penalty which proved to be costly.

--

v
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Unai Lopez 31)
Getafe 0

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos (Capa), Yeray, Laporte, Ganea, Dani Garcia, Nolaskoain, Unai Lopez*, Saizar, Cordoba (Adria), Williams (Zubillaga)

With a 7pt lead, being up against the bottom side and about to play Liverpool in a few days time I decided to play an under strength side here and they didn't let me down. Inigo Cordoba however got injured and his season is over.

--

SUMMARY

My defence was certainly playing well this month as we kept 6 clean sheets although 4 of those were in no score draws as my forwards drew blanks - having said that my centre-halves are my 2nd and 3rd top scorers so maybe I should be blaming them lol.

We have surged ahead in the league as we have a 7pt lead as Barcelona went on a terrible run which is highlighted by the fact that we drew 2 league games ourselves.

In the cups we have to get something away to Liverpool to progress in the Champions League while we knocked out Atletico Madrid to reach the Copa del Rey final where we will play Deportivo La Coruna. As for my B team they are doing really well in the 2nd tier and are currently in 8th place.

Youth intake next month!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
UNAI SIMON
View attachment 29523

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 29521

​

 

[Klippybo]

MARCH

UEFA Champions League 1st Round 2nd Leg
v
Liverpool 2 (Mane 29, Salah 60)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Nolaskoain 76)
(Agg: 2-1)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Hervias (Villalibre), Muniain (Adria), Williams

This is disappointing as over the 2 legs I felt we were the better side but the holders end up going through.

--

v
Leganes 1 (Yeray 90og)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Nolaskoain 17, Villalibre 76)

Lineup - Simon, Capa, Yeray, Lopez, Ganea, Nolaskoain*, Sancet, Unai Lopez (Streuli), Saizar, Muniain (Adria), Williams (Villalibre)

I was forced to play my backups here and they just about managed to get us a win. Peru Nolaskoain is certainly impressing just now. Barcelona lost 4-2 to Levante so we are 10pts clear now.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Laporte 38pen, Williams 64)
Real Betis 0

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Unai Lopez*, Saizar (Adria), Muniain, Williams

Barcelona slip up again - we win again - 12pts clear and surely the title is ours.

--

SUMMARY

We only had 3 games this month but all 3 in a way has shaped our season in one way or another. Firstly we were dumped out of the Champions League by Liverpool which was disappointing as I felt we were more than a match for them.

We then had 2 league games which we won and with Barcelona slipping up in the same weekends the league title should be retained by ourselves. We have a 12pt lead and even if we lose to Barcelona and Real Madrid we would still have a huge advantage.

As for the youth intake I am quite happy as we got 3 or 4 bright prospects and one was a RW which we need. However we didn't get a CM or a full back which is annoying.
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--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
PERU NOLASKOAIN
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​​
--

LIGA SANTANDER
​​View attachment 29356

--

SPAIN

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6
​​

v

​​Albania 0
Spain 1 (Morata 45)

Lineup - De Gea, Roberto*, Martinez, Ramos (Yeray), Gaya (Aaron Martin), Koke, Saul, Williams (Suso), Asensio, Isco, Morata

This is a poor result although with 38 shots on goal it was kind of a 8-0 win that ends up 1-0. Aaron Martin and Yeray won their first caps.

--

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6

v

​​Spain 6 (Williams 6, 19, 88, Koke 30, Asensio 46, Alcacer 66)
Latvia 0

Lineup - De Gea, Nacho, Martinez, Ramos, Grimaldo, Koke (Rodri), Ceballos, Williams*, Luis Alberto (Suso), Asensio, Morata (Alcacer)

This was 6-0 going on 16-0 as we had 43 attempts on goal with 25 on target. Dani Ceballos won his first cap while Inaki Williams got his first goals for Spain.

​

 

[Klippybo]

APRIL


​​v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martinez 29, Williams 45)
Real Sociedad 1 (Juanmi 5)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez*, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Dani Garcia), Unai Lopez, Morilla (Hervias), Muniain, Williams

We triumph in the Vasco derby here despite falling behind early on. Inigo Martinez brought us level with a free-kick against his former club and Inaki Williams scored the winner.

--

v
Villarreal 1 (Fornals 76)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Laporte 37)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte*, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Hervias (Unai Lopez), Morilla, Muniain, Williams (Villalibre)

We drop 2pts but Barcelona lost so we gain another point on them however they lost to Atletico Madrid who move into 2nd place and our lead is now cut to 11pts.

--

v
Real Madrid 1 (Dzeko 15)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Morilla 55)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Hervias (Unai Lopez), Morilla, Muniain, Williams (Villalibre)

More dropped points but you can never complain about a point away to Real Madrid.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Barcelona 1 (Dybala 37)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe, Dani Garcia (Nolaskoain), Hervias (Unai Lopez), Morilla, Muniain, Williams

This is a harsh result as we were the better team but just couldn't score. After going 18 games unbeaten in the league we are finally defeated and its now 3 games without a win and our lead is cut down to 8pts with 6 games to play.

--

v
Levante 0
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 60, Ganea 81)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos*, Yeray, Lopez, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Unai Lopez, Morilla (Saizar), Muniain, Williams

--

SUMMARY

This month saw a dip in results but we had a tough run of fixtures so I suppose it was slightly expected. We kicked off the month with a derby victory over Real Sociedad before drawing against Villarreal and Real Madrid before losing out narrowly to Barcelona.

We did end the month with a win over Levante though and that made us end the month with a lead of 8pts which has been cut a bit from the previous month but even if we lose our upcoming match against Atletico Madrid we should still be fine.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
OSCAR DE MARCOS
​​View attachment 29339


--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 29338
​

 

[Cahoon]

Never a disappointment, great story, great following along!

 

[Klippybo]

MAY


​​v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martinez 38, Mavropanos 87og)
Alaves 0

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos, Martinez*, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Hervias, Morilla (Saizar), Muniain, Williams (Villalibre)

A comfortable win that secures Champions League football for next season and in turn I get next seasons transfer budget - a cool £50m!!

--

v
​​Atletico Madrid 1 (Gimenez 27)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martinez 37)

Lineup - Simon, De Marcos (Yeray), Martinez*, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Dani Garcia, Hervias, Morilla (Saizar), Muniain, Williams (Villalibre)

Another Inigo Martinez free-kick gave us a point here but we could and maybe should have won as they had Koke sent-off midway through the 2nd half. Oscar De Marcos got injured and will miss the remainder of the season.

--

v
Las Palmas 1 (Fidel 76pen)
Athletic Bilbao 5 (Martinez 2, Muniain 26, 79, Williams 28, Yeray 89)

Lineup - Simon, Capa, Martinez, Yeray, Ganea, Nolaskoain, Dani Garcia, Unai Lopez, Morilla (Adria), Muniain*, Williams

A great win - its not often we score 5 goals! What made it all the more remarkable was the fact that Unai Lopez got sent-off when the score was 1-0. Inigo Martinez has now scored in his last 3 games.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Nolaskoain 11, Hervias 32)
Eibar 0

Lineup - Simon, Capa, Martinez, Yeray, Ganea, Iturraspe (Sancet), Nolaskoain, Hervias*, Muniain, Adria (Alfonso Lopez), Villalibre

CHAMPIONS!!!!

We knew the title was sewn up before the match as Barcelona slipped up so we played without any pressure here and we got a decent win.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Hervias 17, Ganea 42)
Celta Vigo 0

Lineup - Simon, Capa, Zabalza, A.Lopez (Pereda), Ganea*, Nolaskoain, Sancet, X.Lopez, Unai Lopez, Hervias, Villalibre (Goni)

I managed to give a few of my youngsters a run out here as the league campaign came to a close and it didn't seem to affect the performance at all which is a good sign.

--

Copa del Rey Final
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Laporte 14pen, Yuri 100)
Deportivo La Coruna 1 (Bangoura 75)
AET

Lineup - Simon, Capa (Pereda), Martinez, Laporte, Yuri*, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Hervias, Unai Lopez, Muniain (Streuli), Williams

We win the final but it wasn't a great performance and we are just glad to get to the end of the campaign as we have a seriously depleted squad at the moment due to injuries, lack of fitness and international duty.

--

SUMMARY

So we bring another season to a close and for the 2nd season running we win the league and cup double. We went into this month knowing that the title was all but ours and it was just a matter of getting across the line and then resting players for the cup final but I had so many injuries, so many games in such a short space of time and the Spain national team took away most of my best prospects so things were a lot tougher than they needed to be.

End of season post to come once my B team has finished their season.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
INIGO MARTINEZ
View attachment 29165
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​

 

[Cahoon]

Congrats on another great season, you posted the same table as last time, though. Just wanted to see if Celta managed to stay up, got a soft spot for them

 

[Klippybo]

Congrats on another great season, you posted the same table as last time, though. Just wanted to see if Celta managed to stay up, got a soft spot for them

My bad - it will be in my end of season post.

 

[Klippybo]

END OF SEASON POST

Season no 3 is over and although we won the league easily and won the cup for the 3rd year in a row it has to go down as a slightly disappointing season as the levels of performances dropped and we didn't match last seasons Champions League efforts.

We won the league by 9pts in the end although the gap was bigger during the season but we only scored 65 goals compared to 82 last term however our defence was excellent and we conceded a paltry 21 goals. When you consider that 20 of our 62 league goals were scored by defenders it shows that the defence was the strongest part of the team.

We only lost 2 league matches - both to Barcelona - and apart from a late end of season win against Las Palmas where we won 5-1 with ten men we didn't blow anyone away.

In the Super Cup we defeated Barcelona 3-1 and they were also beaten en route to the Copa del Rey final as we also negotiated our way past Llagostera, Villarreal and Atletico Madrid before Deportivo La Coruna were beaten in the final after extra-time.

Our Champions League campaign was disappointing. We won only 2 group stage matches and were unlucky to be defeated by Liverpool but compared to our semi-final placing last term it was a drop in standards. Somehow Valencia reached the final but they were defeated by Man City.

My B team had a superb season as they finished 8th in the Liga 123. To finish so high in their first season at that level is some achievement but their manager - Toni Velazaman - is refusing to sign a new deal so we will have to find a new manager for them in the summer.

Finally at the end of the season the board surprised me with this announcement - it will cost a pretty penny though!!!!
View attachment 29043

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 29049

--

FIRST TEAM SQUAD
View attachment 29048View attachment 29047

As said before - our defence and goalkeeper were excellent. Unai Simon has played every single game that I have managed so far and is an excellent keeper. In defence they all played well but going forward is where they surprised me as both Laporte and Martinez both scored 11 goals each while Cristian Ganea even chipped in with 5 goals.

In midfield Oihan Sancet had a decent first season as a first team regular and scored 6 goals while on the wings both Hervias and Muniain did well with Hervias getting 13 assists to lead the team in that category. At AMC Pelayo Morilla only scored 5 goals but he is still young and developing but he needs to up his game soon. Alberto Saizar is pushing him but likewise didn't excel when he was chosen.

Up front Inaki Williams had a really poor season as he only scored 13 times. Considering he got 29 goals the previous year and played far better last term he really needs to kick on.

My Player of the Year - Inigo Martinez
My Young Player of the Year - Pelayo Morilla
Must Improve - Inaki Williams
Donkey of the Year - Asier Villalibre

--

THOUGHTS FOR THE SUMMER

I have already agreed to make one big signing for the summer. There are 2 targets I would love to bring in but they aren't looking likely. I would love to strengthen in CM and ST and I will take stock with my U19 squad and probably shift some peeps about. Some U19s might jump up a level to the B team to give them a higher level of football.

--

SPAIN

UEFA Nations League Semi-Final

v

​​Spain 3 (Morata 11pen, Williams 37, Roberto 90)
Croatia 0

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin (Carvajal), Martinez, Ramos, Aaron Martin, Koke (Saul), Thiago (Roberto), Williams, Luis Alberto*, Asensio, Morata

We reach the final. Croatia were very poor but unfortunately Inaki Williams got sent-off and will miss the showpiece final.

--

UEFA Nations League Final

v

Italy 2 (Belotti 65, Chiesa 90)
Spain 1 (Thiago 77)

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin (Roberto), Martinez, Ramos, Grimaldo, Koke, Thiago, Suso, Asensio, Isco (Luis Alberto), Morata (Rodrigo)

This was extremely disappointing as we deserved to win the match and the tournament. To lose to a last minute goal is heartbreaking.

--

Friendly
​​

v

​​Spain 4 (Aaron Martin 11, Koke 32, Morata 55, 80)
Colombia 2 (Hernandez 9, Lerma 47)

Lineup - De Gea, Roberto (Carvajal), Yeray (Mere), Ramos, Aaron Martin, Koke (Rodri), Saul, Williams (Suso), Luis Alberto, Rodrigo (Isco), Morata*

There were 2 stunning goals in this match - their opener was a 25 yard screamer but the goal of the game went to Koke as he curled one in from an angle from over 30 yards.

​

 

[Klippybo]

PRE-SEASON

I had a busy summer with transfers this term both incoming and outgoing and I decided to send out some of my U19 squad out on loan as I felt they wouldn't get ahead of the more experienced players in the B team but could benefit playing the professional game.

In the end I signed 2 players for the first team - sold 2 players from the first team and relegated one player but promoted 2!!

So here we go....

--

PLAYERS OUT

The major departure was Oscar De Marcos who joined Besiktas for £12m. He played 133 times for me and scored 3 goals from RB but with him being 32 I decided to cash in as he would be 33 by the end of the season.

My other RB - Ander Capa - has also left. He has joined Celta Vigo for £3.1m after 46 appearances for us.

Other than that I sold 2 B team players and loaned out 10 others with the 2 notable ones being Ager Aketxe and Alfonso Lopes although its a huge opportunity for development for Aitor Martinez, Jean-Louis Streuli, Chema Melgarejo, Aimar Nunez and Miguel Angel Oyono.

--

PLAYERS IN

I made 2 big signings. The biggest one was arranged towards the end of last season and that was the £30m deal for Alvaro Odriozola who joins us from Real Madrid. He will replace De Marcos at RB and he will be first choice for 5 or 6 seasons.
View attachment 29015

I couldn't get my other top 2 targets as we were getting quoted £80m each for both of them but I did bring in a forward who I have had my eye on for a while. Ignacio Martin has come in from Girona for £12.75m. He is only 18y/o but is lightning quick and the scouts love him so I decided to take the plunge. He will be my first choice striker this term.
View attachment 29014

I signed 2 players for the B team - including 35y/o Nacho Monreal - who is on a tiny wage and is with the B team and also these 2 regens.
View attachment 29013View attachment 29012

--

FIRST TEAM SQUAD

Regarding the starting XI Odriozola will be our new RB while Ignacio Martin will be our striker which means Inaki Williams will go back to his natural position as a RW.

I promoted Borja Zubillaga up to the first team to cover the strikers position as Asier Villalibre just hasn't taken his chance so I have relegated him to the B team where I expect him to shine. Raul Segura has been called up to be our backup RB.

​

 

[Klippybo]

AUGUST

Supercopa
​​v
Deportivo La Coruna 2 (Botheim 15, Jimenez 60)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martin 44, Yeray 83pen)
(AET - Athletic Bilbao win 5-4 on penalties)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Yeray, Yuri, Dani Garcia, Sancet (Nolaskoain), Williams (Hervias), Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin

I have mixed feelings about this match. We won which was good but being run so close by a side we should be beating is worrying. Martin scored on his debut which is good but we had to rely on a Yeray penalty to save the match for us. Morilla had a goal disallowed.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Williams 7, Cordoba 72)
Valencia 1 (Guedes 9)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez (Nunez), Yeray, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

This was a tough opening fixture but both sides put on a good show. We won it when Ignacio Martin played in Inigo Cordoba who finished well on his return to the first team after missing most of the 2nd half of last season with injury.

--

v
Deportivo La Coruna 1 (Botheim 57)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Laporte 4pen, Williams 28, Sancet 59)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin (Cordoba)

A fine away victory as Deportivo are defeated for the 2nd time in a month. Inaki Williams seems to like being out on the wing again!

--

SUMMARY

We have had a decent start to the season. We picked up the Supercopa by beating Deportivo on penalties after a 2-2 draw and then kicked off the league campaign by winning 2 out of 2. I altered my tactics a little and went to an attacking mentality and while it is too early to judge we have certainly scored a decent amount of goals but also conceded maybe one or two more than I had expected.

In the Champions League we have been given a favourable draw alongside Spurs, PSV and FC Kobenhavn.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
ALVARO ODRIOZOLA
View attachment 28829
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--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 28828
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​

 

[Klippybo]

SEPTEMBER


​​v
Leganes 0
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Muniain 3, 85, Doukoure 34og)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Hervias, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain*, Martin (Cordoba)

We played very well here and it was important to get the win as we have some really tough fixtures coming up.

--

UEFA Champions League Group H
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martin 2, Saizar 14)
Tottenham Hotspur 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Dani Garcia), Williams, Saizar, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

Very impressive. Our first goal was a delight as Ignacio Martin fired in a half-volley from an angle and young Alberto Saizar headed home the 2nd.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Muniain 71, Laporte 85pen, 90)
Atletico Madrid 2 (Griezmann 18, Lemar 28)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte*, Yuri, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Williams, Saizar (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

WHAT A COMEBACK!!!! Atletico have started the season poorly but they raced into a 2 goal lead here and we looked doomed but we scored 3 goals in the last 20min - including a last minute winner to steal all 3pts.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martinez 10, Martin 35)
Real Madrid 1 (Rodrygo 88)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Hervias*, Saizar (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

Our fantastic start to the season continues as we defeat Real Madrid. We went 2-0 up - Martin got his first league goal for us - and we looked comfortable until they pulled a goal back. Even then Cordoba missed a penalty for us just after.

--

v
Real Oviedo 0
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Martinez 22, Muniain 43, 90, Saizar 87)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe, Sancet (Dani Garcia), Hervias, Saizar, Muniain*, Martin (Zubillaga)

6 wins out of 6 in the league as we comfortably defeat Oviedo. Martinez scored for the 2nd game in a row, Muniain scored with 2 fantastic strikes and Saizar volleyed in a goal for good measure.

--

UEFA Champions League Group H
​​v
​​PSV Eindhoven 2 (Pereiro 3, Wober 55pen)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Saizar 23, Martinez 45, Martin 62)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Hervias, Saizar (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

I went straight into this game by pressing the space bar too much and couldn't change my lineup from the previous game - Saizar was unfit and would have been dropped - and of course he was the one who equalised!!! A good victory.

--

SUMMARY

A perfect month as we just keep on winning both at home and abroad. We had some massive victories here against the likes of Spurs, Atletico and Real Madrid. Somehow however we are not top of the league as Barcelona are more than matching us as they are thumping teams left, right and centre.

Barcelona are coming up in next months fixtures...….

Sorry for the delay of the post - been really busy the last few weeks with a weekend in Newcastle, stuff at home and playing FIFA lol (message me if you want to hook up on that!). Will play more often now!!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
IKER MUNIAIN
View attachment 27297

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LIGA SANTANDER
​​View attachment 27298

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SPAIN

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6
​​

v

Greece 0
Spain 2 (Mere 58, Thiago 81pen)

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin, Yeray, Mere*, Gaya (Grimaldo), Thiago, Saul (Roberto), Suso, Isco, Muniain, Alcacer (Nunez)

This is a great win - especially since we went down to 10 men early on after Isco got sent-off. Nunez made his international debut here.

--

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6
​​

v

​​Spain 4 (Gaya 3, Williams 45, Saul 63, Morata 87)
Wales 2 (Wilson 32, Roberts 90)

Lineup - De Gea, Carvajal, Yeray, Mere (San Jose), Gaya, Koke (Roberto), Saul*, Williams, Luis Alberto, Alcacer (Muniain), Morata

A fine victory. Next month we should be stronger as I was without several players this month.

​

 

[Klippybo]

OCTOBER


​​v
Huesca 0
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Zubillaga 74, Odriozola 88, Martinez 89)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Williams, Unai Lopez, Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

This was a fantastic performance although we left it late to get the goals. Inigo Martinez has scored in his last 4 games for us!!! Even better - Barcelona lost!

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Morilla 51)
Barcelona 1 (Odriozola 40og)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Martinez, Yeray, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Dani Garcia), Williams (Hervias), Morilla, Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

A good result and all credit goes to Odriozola who bounced back from scoring an own goal to assist our equaliser and get the MOM award.

--

UEFA Champions League Group H
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Iturraspe 13pen)
FC Kobenhavn 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola (Ganea), Martinez, Yeray, Yuri*, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin (Zubillaga)

Once again I was too eager on the space bar and ended up fielding the same side from the last match accidentally. We won but Odriozola got injured and is out for a month so now is a chance for young Raul Segura.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martin 19)
Alaves 0

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Martinez, Laporte*, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet (Dani Garcia), Williams, Morilla, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

A poor performance and we only got the win when Martin latched onto a poor touch by an Alaves defender for only his 2nd league goal of the season.

--

Copa del Rey 4th Round 1st Leg
​​v
​​Alcorcon 0
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Hervias 32, Zubillaga 39, Nolaskoain 90)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray, Nunez, Ganea, Dani Garcia, Nolaskoain*, Hervias, Saizar (Juan Carlos), Cordoba (Unai Lopez), Zubillaga

Always nice to give the youngsters and backups a run out and to see them win comfortably.

--

v
Eibar 1 (Mata 38)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martin 33, Muniain 50)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams (Zubillaga), Morilla (Saizar), Muniain, Martin

Despite occupying a low position in the table, Eibar made us work hard for the 3pts here.

--

SUMMARY

Another month in which we were excellent and we are still unbeaten this season. In the league we won 3 matches and drew against Barcelona so I am naturally delighted with that although we maybe should have defeated Barcelona (who slipped up twice more) but we end the month at the top of the table 5pts clear of Levante and 6pts clear of Barcelona.

In the Champions League we are all but through after winning our opening 3 fixtures so I will be able to rotate my squad a bit in the remaining 3 fixtures while we easily beat Alcorcon in the first leg of our cup tie.


--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
BORJA ZUBILLAGA
​​View attachment 27087
​​(Odriozola didn't play enough games and there wasn't really a standout after but Zubillaga scored twice and played most matches)

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 27086

--

SPAIN

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6
​​

v

​​Spain 3 (Asensio 17, 90, Mere 89)
Albania 0

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin (Roberto), Martinez, Mere, Gaya, Koke, Thiago, Williams (Suso), Asensio*, Isco, Alcacer (Rodrigo)

We left it late to add a bit of gloss to the scoreline but I am happy with a 3-0 win.

--

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6

v

​​Latvia 0
Spain 7 (Luis Alberto 13, 40, 55pen, Grimaldo 35, Bellerin 39, 49, Rodri 45)

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin, Rodri, Yeray, Grimaldo, Roberto, Saul, Suso, Luis Alberto*, Asensio, Morata

47 shots to 1 - and that's with my backups.

​

 

[Klippybo]

NOVEMBER

UEFA Champions League Group H
v
FC Kobenhavn 0
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Dani Garcia 22, Ganea 34, 71pen, Hervias 88)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray, Nunez (Pereda), Ganea*, Dani Garcia, Nolaskoain, Lopez, Saizar, Hervias, Zubillaga (Goni)

A fine win from my backups. The first two goals were long range strikes with Ganea's being a free-kick. We just needed a point to qualify but we claimed all 3.

--

v
Levante 1 (Menalo 38)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Sancet 15, Martin 18, 85)

Lineup - Simon, Yeray (Ganea), Martinez, Laporte (Nunez), Yuri, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain, Martin*

The top 2 went head to head here and we showed them who is the boss as we easily beat Levante. Ignacio Martin has now scored in his last 3 league games and seems to be finding his feet at this level.

--

v
Real Betis 1 (Tello 88)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 66)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola (Segura), Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Williams*, Morilla, Muniain, Martin (Hervias)

This is a real disappointment as we created enough chances to win a few matches but in the end we were punished late on when Tello equalised. Before the match Zubillaga got injured and is out for a couple of months.

--

UEFA Champions League Group H
​​v
Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Alli 45pen)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martin 24)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray, Nunez, Ganea, Dani Garcia, Nolaskoain (Iturraspe), Hervias (Morilla), Saizar, Cordoba (Unai Lopez), Martin

I am delighted with this point as Spurs absolutely battered us. We scored a good goal though as Martin finished from the edge of the area. They had a late winner disallowed.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martin 45)
Malaga 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri*, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain (Hervias) (Segura), Martin (Goni)

With Barcelona losing to Real Madrid this was a must win match and that's what we did thanks to Martin's goal.

--

SUMMARY

We go into December still unbeaten in all competitions and with a 7pt lead at the top of the table so naturally I am delighted with how things are going. Ignacio Martin is finding the net regularly and my youngsters are really coming on whether they are in the first team, U19s or out on loan - everything is looking great!!!

If only I could find a CM somewhere to replace Iturraspe!!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
IGNACIO MARTIN
​​View attachment 27065

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 27063

--

SPAIN

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6

v

​​Spain 2 (Isco 61, 80)
Greece 0

Lineup - De Gea, Carvajal, Martinez (Jonny), Yeray, Gaya, Koke (Roberto), Thiago, Williams, Asensio, Isco*, Morata (Alcacer)

This win books our place in next years World Cup as Isco got his first goals for Spain under me. Jonny made his Spain debut here.

--

UEFA World Cup Qualifiers Group 6
​​

v

​​Wales 0
Spain 1 (Saul 81)

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin, Jonny, Rodri, Grimaldo, Roberto, Saul*, Suso, Luis Alberto, Muniain, Morata (Alcacer)

We finish the group with a narrow victory thanks to a stunning long range strike from Saul. 10 wins out of 10 is our record for the group stage.

​

 

[Klippybo]

DECEMBER

Copa del Rey 4th Round 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Ganea 18pen, 30, Goni 36, Larrucea 80)
Alcorcon 2 (Montero 13, Pena 44)
(Agg: 7-2)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray (Pereda), Nunez, Ganea*, Dani Garcia (Lasa), Nolaskoain, Unai Lopez, Saizar, Cordoba, Goni (Larrucea)

A win as expected and it was nice to see Goni and Larrucea get their first goals for us - Larrucea scoring on his debut and Goni being the clubs new youngest goalscorer.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Morilla 11, Blanco 52og, Sancet 54)
Villarreal 1 (Fornals 76)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

A good win which would normally be a great win but Villarreal are really struggling this year. Odriozola got 2 assists as he starred.

--

UEFA Champions League Group H
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Nolaskoain 57)
PSV Eindhoven 0

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray, Nunez*, Ganea, Dani Garcia (Lasa), Nolaskoain, Unai Lopez, Saizar, Cordoba, Goni

We round off the group stage with our 5th win thanks to Nolaskoain's goal.

--

v
Sporting Gijon 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martin 41)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte*, Yuri, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain, Martin (Goni)

A hard fought victory against lowly Gijon - Barcelona slipped up again so we are now 9pts clear!!!

--

v
Real Sociedad 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 75)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri*, Iturraspe (Dani Garcia), Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin (Goni)

Derby day delight as we beat Sociedad thanks to an Inaki Williams goal.

--

SUMMARY

2021 is over and we are in fine fettle. Well clear at the top of the league and unbeaten in all competitions so far - I cant complain. During this month we had some kind fixtures but the highlight was the 1-0 derby victory over Real Sociedad.

In the cup draws we have been given two nightmare ties - Barcelona in the Copa del Rey and Liverpool in the Champions League!!!

Regarding the January transfer window I don't expect to do much if at all but I usually get a loan bid for Unai Nunez so that might happen lol. I don't think I will be able to get my top 2 targets unfortunately.

In the World Cup draw somehow my Spanish team was 2nd seeds and in turn we have a tough group alongside France, Mexico and South Africa.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
YURI
​​View attachment 26710

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 26709
​​
​

 

[Klippybo]

JANUARY

Copa del Rey 5th Round 1st Leg
​​v
Barcelona 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 59)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams (Hervias), Morilla (Yeray), Muniain*, Martin (Cordoba)

A magnificent result - all the more so when you take into account that Aymeric Laporte got sent-off just after we took the lead but we held firm and take a slender advantage back to the San Mames. Muniain's goal was a beauty from 25 yards.

--

Copa del Rey 5th Round 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 40)
Barcelona 0
(Agg: 2-0)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez (Nunez), Yeray, Yuri, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain*, Martin (Cordoba)

This was a carbon copy of the first leg. Once again Barcelona had an early goal disallowed and once again Muniain scored and got the MOM award. The only difference this time was that we didn't get a sending off.

--

v
​​ Athletic Bilbao 4 (Laporte 6pen, Williams 23, Martin 31, Morilla 67)
Espanyol 2 (Maksimovic 3, Leo Baptistao 77)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe, Dani Garcia (Nolaskoain), Williams (Hervias), Morilla*, Muniain, Martin

A rare 4 goal haul in the league as we come from behind to defeat Espanyol. Morilla was excellent here and I hope that our wonderkid can become more consistant.

--

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final 1st Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 0
Atletico Madrid 0

Lineup - Simon*, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Ganea, Dani Garcia, Sancet, Hervias (Lopez), Morilla (Unai Lopez), Cordoba, Martin (Goni)

A disappointing no score draw however it seems that the officials want us to help us through as for the 3rd game in a row our opponents had a goal disallowed.

--

v
​​Sevilla 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martin 11)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Martinez, Yeray, Ganea, Iturraspe, Dani Garcia (Nolaskoain), Hervias, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

Smash and grab. Sevilla were the better team but Martin headed us in front early doors and we held on to collect the victory. Considering we were without 4 first picks this was a great result.

--

Copa del Rey Quarter-Final 2nd Leg
v
​​Atletico Madrid 2 (Griezmann 2, 48)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Williams 51)
(Agg: 2-1)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte (Yeray), Ganea, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin (Hervias)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Having won the Copa del Rey every year since I took over I am naturally devastated that we are eliminated here and furthermore this is our first defeat of the season!!!

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Muniain 62)
Deportivo La Coruna 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Martinez, Laporte, Ganea, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Dani Garcia, Williams (Hervias), Morilla, Muniain, Martin

A win but a poor performance and it was the scrappiest of goals to win it as Muniain bundled it in from about 2 inches.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Williams 1, Ganea 20)
Rayo Vallecano 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola (Segura), Yeray, Laporte, Ganea*, Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin

2 early goals set us on our way here. Martinez is out for a month so Yeray will get a little run in the side.

--

v
Valencia 0
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Ganea 52pen)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray (Nunez), Laporte, Ganea*, Iturraspe, Sancet (Nolaskoain), Williams, Morilla, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

We seem to be the masters of scraping a result against the run of play as we just edged it here thanks to Ganea's penalty.

--

SUMMARY

I suppose I have to be happy with how January went but there is a tinge of disappointment as we lost our hold of the Copa del Rey to Atletico Madrid and considering we defeated Barcelona home and away in the previous round I was confident in winning the cup tbh.

In the league we were excellent as we won all of our matches including some tricky fixtures against Sevilla and Valencia which means we have a 12pt lead at the top.

There was some transfer activity. I loaned out Dani Garcia to Oviedo and they could buy him for £2m and in his place I brought in Igor Zubeldia from our bitter rivals Real Sociedad for £2.9m.
View attachment 26486

Other than that I brought in a regen striker for a pittance and a CM from Real Betis on loan to help the B team.

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
CRISTIAN GANEA
View attachment 26485

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 26484
​​
​

 

[Klippybo]

FEBRUARY

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martin 48, 90)
Leganes 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Laporte, Ganea, Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Williams (Hervias), Morilla, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin*

A good win but it really should have been by a much bigger winning margin.

--

v
​​Atletico Madrid 0
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

Not good enough. We should have got revenge from our cup exit here as they had a man sent-off after 12min but we couldn't capitalise on it which is infuriating. This is also the first league game in which we have failed to score although we have kept 6 clean sheets in a row now.

--

UEFA Champions League 1st Round 1st Leg
​​v
​​Liverpool 1 (Mane 44)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martin 48, Muniain 51)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe (Nolaskoain), Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain*, Martin

We were magnificent here and could have scored 4 or 5. We battered Liverpool in the first half but they scored against the run of play however just after scoring they had Keita sent-off. We quickly levelled after the break and we won it when Muniain struck from long range.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Martin 8, 65, 80)
Real Oviedo 1 (Galan 64)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri, Iturraspe (Zubeldia), Nolaskoain, Williams (Hervias), Morilla, Muniain, Martin*

A good win although I am annoyed that we conceded with their only shot on goal. Laporte missed a penalty while 2 of Martin's goals were direct from free-kicks - didn't know he had that in him.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Martin 53, Iturraspe 90, Cordoba 90)
Huesca 0

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray*, Nunez, Ganea, Iturraspe, Sancet (Nolaskoain), Williams, Saizar (Unai Lopez), Cordoba, Martin

2 goals in stoppage time added an extra gloss to the final scoreline but it was fully deserved. We are now 31 games unbeaten in the league whereas Huesca haven't won in 24.

--

v
Real Madrid 2 (Rodrygo 39, 45)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Martin 31)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

Our first defeat in the league this season and it was so undeserved as we were the better side throughout but Rodrygo - who has 30 goals this term now - won it for them.

--

SUMMARY

We were solid this month overall. We had one major high point when we defeated Liverpool 2-1 away in the Champions League but we ended the month on a low note as Real Madrid inflicted our first league defeat of the season by beating us 2-1.

We are still 9pts clear at the top of the table so there are no alarm bells ringing. Next month gives us the youth intake. I pray for a quality CM!!!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
IGNACIO MARTIN
View attachment 26383

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 26384

​

 

[Klippybo]

MARCH

v
Barcelona 1 (Gonzalez 65)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Martin 12, Hervias 34, Muniain 35)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri*, Zubeldia, Nolaskoain, Hervias, Morilla (Saizar), Muniain, Martin

Wonderful. A fantastic victory as we extend our lead at the top to 12pts. Martin is on fire at the moment and has scored in his last 4 league games (6 goals in that time). The fact we won at the Nou Camp so comfortably without Martinez, Sancet, Iturraspe and Williams speaks volumes.

--

UEFA Champions League 1st Round 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Martin 24, Martinez 44)
Liverpool 0
(Agg: 4-1)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez*, Yeray (Nunez), Yuri, Nolaskoain, Sancet (Ganea), Williams, Morilla, Muniain, Martin

We finish the job here with a comfortable victory. Inigo Martinez returned to the side after an injury and starred.

--

v
Alaves 1 (De Tomas 64)
Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 45, Morilla 52)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez (Yeray), Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain, Sancet, Williams, Morilla, Muniain*, Martin

This was a lot closer than it should have been but we won in the end and that's the main thing. Martin had a goal disallowed as did Alaves.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 3 (Williams 25, Laporte 36pen, Martin 43)
Eibar 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola*, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain (Iturraspe), Sancet, Williams, Unai Lopez, Muniain (Cordoba), Martin

We battered Eibar here as we got 3 first half goals. Just a pity that yet again we cant go on to score 5 or 6 and really humiliate our opposition.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Laporte 4pen, Nolaskoain 31)
Levante 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte*, Yuri, (Ganea) Nolaskoain, Sancet, Hervias, Unai Lopez, Muniain, Martin (Goni)

--

SUMMARY

Win every game - including a thumping of Barcelona - progress in the Champions League and a good youth intake - March was a great month!!! The highlight of the month was our 3-1 victory over Barcelona as we tore them apart and should have won by a lot more. Our victory over Liverpool was also a high point.

After that we got 3 standard league victories to maintain our 12pt lead at the top of the table.

As for the youth intake I was praying for a good CM and I got one - as well as another decent looking one - however it was a CB that looked the best as he is probably good enough to be in my first team squad, he is valued at £2.6m the only problem is that we are so string in that position.
View attachment 26327
View attachment 26326

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
AYMERIC LAPORTE
View attachment 26325

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 26324

--

SPAIN

Friendly

v

​​Spain 2 (Deulofeu 57, 82)
Peru 0

Lineup - De Gea, Bellerin (Carvajal), Martinez, Mere, Grimaldo, Koke, Thiago (Roberto), Deulofeu*, Asensio (Luis Alberto), Isco (Muniain), Williams

Gerard Deulofeu came out of the international wilderness to win us the game here. His 2nd goal was a fluke as the keeper kicked it off him.

--

Friendly

v

​​Turkey 1 (Ozyakup 52)
Spain 3 (Deulofeu 45, 84, Martinez 63)

Lineup - De Gea (Simon), Bellerin (Carvajal), Martinez, Yeray, Aaron Martin, Saul, Thiago (Roberto), Deulofeu*, Asensio (Luis Alberto), Isco, Morata (Alcacer)

Just look at the comment above and repeat it basically. Deulofeu was the star and even his 2nd goal was once again due to the keeper kicking the ball off him!!


​

 

[Klippybo]

APRIL

v
Malaga 2 (Jota 16, Medran 75)
Athletic Bilbao 4 (Muniain 21, 78, Martin 22, 24)

Lineup - Remiro, Odriozola, Martinez (Nunez), Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain, Iturraspe (Zubeldia), Hervias, Morilla, Muniain*, Martin

After starting every single one of my 208 matches in charge of Athletic so far Unai Simon missed out due to injury here and Alex Remiro finally got a game

--

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg
​​v
Juventus 1 (Pjanic 18)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Muniain 27, Martin 52, Cordoba 76)

Lineup - Remiro, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Nolaskoain (Zubeldia), Sancet, Hervias, Unai Lopez (Cordoba), Muniain, Martin

WHAT A WIN!!!!!!

I am delighted with my players here in getting such a comprehensive victory away to a side like Juventus however it could have been a very different story as Ronaldo had a goal disallowed that would have put them 2-0 up. They had a man sent-off after the hour mark and that made things easier.

--

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg
v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Muniain 25, Morilla 50)
Juventus 1 (Tonali 56)
(Agg: 5-2)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Nolaskoain, Sancet, Williams (Hervias), Morilla, Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

Back to back games against Juventus and back to back wins. Also Ronaldo had a goal disallowed again.

--

v
Villarreal 1 (Nelson 67)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Yeray 57)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola (Nunez), Yeray, Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain, Sancet (Iturraspe), Williams, Morilla, Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

Meh. Cant really complain when we are so far ahead at the top!!

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 4 (Martin 18, 28, 33, Muniain 76)
Sporting Gijon 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain (Iturraspe), Sancet, Hervias, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin*

Ignacio Martin's hat-trick takes his tally to 30 for the season as the 19y/o has excelled this term. As has Muniain who know has 17 goals. Sancet had a goal disallowed while Simon saved a penalty.

--

v
Rayo Vallecano 1 (Ilic 13)
Athletic Bilbao 1 (Saizar 14)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray, Nunez (Pereda), Ganea, Iturraspe, Zubeldia, Hervias (Lopez), Saizar, Cordoba, Zubillaga (Goni)

With the Man Utd game coming in just 2 games I decided to rest my first team which meant that Ignacio Martin misses his first league game of the season. We could have won the title had we won but we were awful in truth although our goal was sensational as Saizar smashed in a volley from 25 yards.

--

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg
v​
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Sancet 74)
Manchester United 1 (Rashford 44)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola (Yeray), Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain, Sancet*, Williams, Morilla (Unai Lopez), Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

Not sure how to take this. We deserved to win but got a draw but their away goal is a problem. That being said we have a great defence and have scored in every Champions League match this season so maybe we are ok. Matic got sent-off with a couple of minutes to go.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Januzaj 28og, Zubillaga 90)
Real Sociedad 2 (Merino 37, Vargas 49)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri (Ganea), Iturraspe, Zubeldia, Williams, Morilla (Saizar), Cordoba, Martin (Zubillaga)

CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!

With us only needing a point to secure the title and with the Man Utd game just days away I rested everyone who was below 95% fit. We got the point that we needed but it required an injury time equaliser from young Borja Zubillaga to seal the title and spare us the embarrassment of our bitter rivals denying us the title.

--

SUMMARY

This month saw us wrap up the title against Real Sociedad which was the high point alongside our victory over Juventus in the Champions League. It is in the Champions League where all our efforts are concentrated on as we have to beat Man Utd or get a high scoring draw to progress to the final which would be amazing.

Off the field I tied down Segura, Saizar and Martinez to new deals which is a boost. Saizar and Morilla are going to have a right battle in a year or two for the AMC slot!!

--

PLAYER OF THE MONTH
IKER MUNIAIN
​​View attachment 26152

--

LIGA SANTANDER
View attachment 26151
​

 

[Cahoon]

Always nice to clinch against your rivals!

 

[Klippybo]

MAY

UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg
v
​​Manchester United 4 (Lukaku 2, 32, 74, Rashford 90pen)
Athletic Bilbao 3 (Laporte 36, 65, Saizar 85)
(Agg: 5-4)

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Martinez, Laporte, Yuri, Nolaskoain, Sancet, Williams, Morilla (Saizar), Muniain, Martin (Zubillaga)

Heart breaking!!!!! We were moments away from reaching the final and then we gave a stupid penalty away and when Rashford converted it it was over and we have to go at it next year.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 1 (Ganea 2)
Sevilla 0

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray (Iturrino), Nunez, Ganea*, Nolaskoain (Zubeldia), Sancet, Hervias, Saizar, Cordoba (Lopez), Zubillaga

Sevilla came into this match bottom of the form table and my backups managed to defeat them here thanks to an early Ganea free-kick.

--

v
​​Athletic Bilbao 2 (Cordoba 40, Zubillaga 60)
Real Betis 1 (Paulo Vitor 61)

Lineup - Simon, Segura, Yeray, Nunez, Ganea, Iturraspe, Nolaskoain (Zubeldia), Hervias (Lopez), Saizar, Cordoba*, Zubillaga

--

v
​​Espanyol 0
Athletic Bilbao 0

Lineup - Simon, Odriozola, Yeray, Nunez, Ganea, Iturraspe (Zubeldia), Nolaskoain, Hervias (Lopez), Unai Lopez, Cordoba, Zubillaga (Goni)

A boring end to the season match as neither side looked as though that they were bothered and to be honest I cant blame my players lol.

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SUMMARY

The final month of the season was all about our match against Man Utd and our attempt to reach our first Champions League final and it was soul destroying in the end as we had one foot in the final until we gave away a last minute penalty which sent us out.

In the league we just saw the season out without any thrills and we didn't lose a game which was nice.

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PLAYER OF THE MONTH
CRISTIAN GANEA
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