Arsenal vs Athletic Club: What to Know About Our Final Pre-Season Opponent
Our Opponent: Athletic Club
In our final match of pre-season, we face Athletic Club, a historic La Liga team with a unique and rich history in Spanish and European football. Based in Bilbao in the Basque Country, the Lions have a distinctive policy: they only sign players born in or with strong ties to the region, a tradition known as ‘Cantera’.
The Legendary Manager
At the helm is Ernesto Valverde, an Athletic Club legend. The 61-year-old played for the club and has served as their manager on three occasions, with his most recent spell beginning in 2022. Under his guidance, the Lions secured the Copa del Rey in 2024 and qualified for the Champions League the following season.
The Squad
- Nico Williams: Star winger who scored in the Euro 2024 final and signed a 10-year contract extension.
- Unai Simón: Spain’s Euro 2024-winning goalkeeper and the 2024/25 Zamora Trophy winner.
- Oihan Sancet: Top scorer for Athletic Club last season with 17 goals in all competitions.
- Yuri Berchiche, Inigo Lekue, and Yeray Álvarez: Experienced defenders with over 600 La Liga appearances combined.
The Season So Far
Athletic Club’s pre-season has been a mixed bag. They began with a win against Ponferradina but have since suffered defeats against Alaves, PSV Eindhoven, and Liverpool, including a 4-1 loss in their most recent match against Liverpool’s first-string side.
How to Watch
You can catch the action right here on 247Sports.News.
Early Bird Pass: £4.99 (until 9am on match day)
Match Day Pass: £6.99
Did you know?
This will be the first-ever meeting between Arsenal and Athletic Club.
Pro Tip
Tune in early to watch the pre-match build-up and interviews with the managers and players.
Looking Ahead
The Emirates Cup clash is a perfect opportunity for Arsenal to fine-tune their preparations for the new Premier League season.