Following their defeat in the Europa League semifinals, Athletic Club is set to face Alavés this afternoon at San Mamés. This match is crucial for the home team as they aim to secure their fourth position in the league, a spot they have held since December that leads to the Champions League. With only four matches left this season, Athletic’s qualification for the continent’s premier competition is in sight, having not participated for over eleven years.
For Athletic, defeating Alavés is essential not only for maintaining their current position but also for enhancing their financial prospects through potential participation in the Supercopa, which is a lucrative opportunity for the club. The pressure has intensified following Villarreal’s recent win, which has brought them equal on points with Athletic, although the latter holds an advantage based on head-to-head matchups.
Athletic’s upcoming schedule is challenging, with matches against Getafe and Valencia following today’s clash, and a pivotal home game against FC Barcelona finishing off their campaign. The situation is even more tense given that Barcelona might be vying for the title against Real Madrid, adding an extra layer of complication to the final weeks of the season.
Alavés, on the other hand, comes into the match needing a victory to boost their chances of avoiding relegation. They had a slight reprieve with Las Palmas’ recent loss, keeping them three points clear of the relegation zone. With key injuries affecting Athletic, including the absence of the Williams brothers and Berenguer, the lineup remains uncertain, but the return of Sancet offers a glimmer of hope.
In this critical juncture of the season, each match for both teams holds significant implications. As Athletic pursues Champions League football, Alavés fights for survival in La Liga, making today’s encounter a vital showdown for both sides.
A hopeful view for the Athletic side is that with strong teamwork and determination, they can overcome the adversities and push towards achieving their dream of playing in the Champions League next season.