Athletic Bilbao, also known as Athletic Club or Los Leones (The Lions), is a unique club in Spanish football. With a Basque-only policy, they restrict their playing squad to players born or trained in the Basque Country. Despite this limitation, Athletic Bilbao boasts a rich history and a passionate fanbase. As of today, July 12, 2024, with the season yet to begin, official La Liga standings are unavailable. However, this article delves into what fans can expect from Aathletic bilbao standings in the upcoming season, analyzing factors that might influence their final position.

Athletic Bilbao’s Recent Performance

Athletic Bilbao finished the 2023-24 La Liga season in a respectable eighth place. This achievement came after a mid-season slump, which saw them drop from Champions League qualification spots. However, they finished strong, securing a place in the Europa Conference League.

Several factors contributed to their eighth-place finish:

A Solid Defense: Athletic Bilbao has always been known for its resolute defense. In the 2023-24 season, they boasted the fourth-best defensive record in La Liga, conceding only 42 goals in 38 games. Goalkeeper Unai Simón continued to impress, while experienced defenders like Yeray Álvarez and Iñigo Martínez provided stability at the back.

Inconsistent Attack: While their defense was a strong point, Athletic Bilbao’s attack lacked consistency. Inaki Williams, their talismanic forward, struggled with injuries and form, impacting their goalscoring output. New signings like Nico Williams, his younger brother, showed promise, but overall, the attack relied heavily on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive system.

Capable Midfield: The midfield trio of Mikel Vesga, Dani García, and Unai López provided a good balance of experience and energy. Vesga, in particular, impressed with his ability to control the tempo of the game.

Looking Ahead: Athletic Bilbao’s Prospects in 2024-25

Several factors will influence Athletic Bilbao’s performance in the upcoming La Liga season:

Transfer Activity: Athletic Bilbao has a reputation for developing young talent from within their academy. However, they may look to strengthen their attack in the transfer window. A reliable goalscorer could significantly improve their chances of finishing higher in the table.

Managerial Influence: Ernesto Valverde, a club legend who enjoyed two successful spells as manager, is back at the helm. His experience and tactical nous could be crucial in maximizing the potential of this squad.

Impact of European Competitions: Participation in the Europa Conference League can be a double-edged sword. While it offers an opportunity for silverware and additional revenue, it can also lead to fixture congestion and squad rotation, potentially affecting their La Liga performance.

Maintaining Defensive Strength: Athletic Bilbao’s defensive solidity has been their bedrock in recent seasons. Maintaining this defensive resolve will be key to success, especially if they struggle to find a consistent goalscorer.

Performance of Key Players: The form and fitness of key players like Iñaki Williams, Unai Simón, and Yeray Álvarez will significantly impact Athletic Bilbao’s season.

Competition in La Liga

La Liga is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with several teams vying for European qualification. Here’s a look at some of Athletic Bilbao’s potential competitors:

Real Madrid and Barcelona: The Spanish giants are always favorites for the title. However, both teams are undergoing transitions, and Athletic Bilbao could capitalize on any inconsistencies.

Atlético Madrid: Diego Simeone’s side remains a formidable force, known for their resolute defense and tactical nous.

Sevilla and Villarreal: These established European competitors will be strong contenders for the top four spots.

Real Sociedad and Valencia: These teams are capable of upsets and could challenge for a Europa League spot.

Fan Expectations

Athletic Bilbao fans are known for their passion and loyalty. While a top-four finish might be a challenging target, fans will expect their team to:

Compete for a European spot: A return to Europa League or even a push for Champions League qualification would be a success for the club.

Play attractive football: Under Valverde, fans expect the team to display a more attacking style of play while maintaining their defensive solidity.

Develop young talent: Integrating young players from the academy into the first team has always been a source of pride for Athletic Bilbao fans.

Conclusion

Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga standings will depend on a combination of factors – transfer activity, managerial influence, European competition, and the performance of key players. While challenging the established giants for the title might be a tall order.

FAQs

Q: Where does Athletic Bilbao currently stand in La Liga?

A: As of today, July 12th, 2024, the official La Liga season has not begun. Therefore, there are no current standings for any teams, including Athletic Bilbao.

Q: When does the La Liga season typically start?

A: La Liga usually kicks off in mid-August and concludes in May of the following year.

Q: Where can I find the Athletic Bilbao standings once the season starts?

A: There are many reliable online resources to track Athletic Bilbao’s standings throughout the season. Here are a few popular options:

Official La Liga website: The official La Liga website provides comprehensive standings, fixtures, and results for all teams in the league https://www.laliga.com/en-GB.

Sports news websites: Major sports news websites like ESPN, Marca, and AS will have dedicated La Liga sections with up-to-date standings https://www.espn.com/, https://www.marca.com/en/, https://en.as.com/news/espana/.

Football data websites: Websites like Flashscore, AiScore, and FcTables specialize in football data and offer detailed standings with additional statistics https://www.flashscore.com/team/ath-bilbao/IP5zl0cJ/, https://m.aiscore.com/team-athletic-bilbao/w34kgmi3w8a8ko9, https://www.fctables.com/teams/athletic-bilbao-180539/.

Q: How did Athletic Bilbao perform last season?

A: We cannot definitively say how Athletic Bilbao performed last season because we are referring to the upcoming 2024-2025 season. However, if you’re interested in their past performance, you can find their standings and results for previous seasons on the websites mentioned above.

Q: What are some expectations for Athletic Bilbao this season?

A: It’s difficult to predict exactly how Athletic Bilbao will perform, but they are a traditionally strong team known for their passionate Basque fanbase and unique player policy (only fielding players of Basque descent).

Here are some factors that could influence their performance:

Transfer activity: Their performance will depend on any key player signings or departures during the transfer window.

Form of key players: The health and form of their most important players will be crucial.

Managerial tactics: The approach and tactics of the new manager will play a role.

Following reliable sports news sources and analysis can provide insights into expectations for Athletic Bilbao throughout the season.

Q: Are there any resources where I can discuss Athletic Bilbao with other fans?

A: Absolutely! Here are a few options:

Social media: Athletic Bilbao has a strong social media presence on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can follow them and engage with other fans in the comments section.

Fan forums and websites: There are dedicated Athletic Bilbao fan forums and websites where supporters discuss the team, share opinions, and analyze matches.

Match threads: During live games, many sports news websites and social media platforms have dedicated match threads where fans can discuss the action in real-time.

By following these resources, you can stay informed about Athletic Bilbao’s standings and connect with other passionate fans throughout the season.

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