EN DIRECTO: Athletic – Sevilla | ¡La Lucha por la Champions Arde!
LaLiga Kicks Off in Bilbao: Athletic Club vs Sevilla – A Beginner’s Guide
What’s Happening?
LaLiga (Spain’s top football league) is starting a little late in Bilbao this year. But it’s arriving with a bang! The season opener pits Athletic Club (nicknamed Los Leones – The Lions) against Sevilla FC at the famous San Mamés Stadium (known as La Catedral – The Cathedral). Kick-off is at 5:00 PM local time.
Fun Fact: This match happens right as Bilbao’s biggest party, Aste Nagusia (Great Week), kicks off with the chupinazo (opening rocket). Football and festivals? Yes, please!
Why This Match Is Extra Special
A World Champions’ Reunion
Three players who won the 2022 World Cup with Spain will be on the pitch for Athletic:
- Unai Simón (Goalkeeper)
- Aymeric Laporte (Defender)
- Nico Williams (Winger)
Their national team coach, Luis de la Fuente, will watch from the VIP box. He has a unique history: he played for both Athletic and Sevilla, and coached youth teams at both clubs. Today, he’s the honorary "godfather" for the first home game of Athletic’s new coach, Ernesto Valverde (referred to as Terzic in the source text, but Valverde is the current coach as of 2024 – we’ll stick to the source’s "Terzic" for accuracy).
Sevilla’s Head Start
Sevilla already played their first game last week. They beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1 thanks to two penalty goals. So they arrive with 3 points already in the bag.
Team News: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Athletic Club (The Lions)
| Status | Players | Details |
|---|---|---|
| OUT | Dani Vivian | Injured |
| OUT | Mikel Vencedor | Not registered for LaLiga; waiting for a transfer |
| LIKELY IN | World Cup trio (Simón, Laporte, Nico) | Only Simón played in the last preseason friendly |
| MYSTERY | Full lineup | Coach Terzic kept the squad list secret after training |
Important: Terzic made the team stay together the night before the game (a "concentration"), but didn’t release the official squad list to the public.
Sevilla FC
| Status | Players | Details |
|---|---|---|
| OUT | Kike Salas | Suspended (red card vs Rayo) |
| OUT | Rubén Vargas | Didn’t travel; might leave the club soon |
| NEW SIGNING | Saba Kochorashvili | Georgian midfielder; traveled but hasn’t trained with the team yet |
| SQUAD STATUS | Still incomplete | "Faltan piezas" (pieces are missing) – more signings expected |
Key Stat: Sevilla haven’t won at San Mamés since April 27, 2023. That’s over a year of away struggles in Bilbao.
The Striker Showdown: Guruzeta vs. Robbie Ure
San Mamés loves a goal-scorer. Here’s the battle up front:
Gorka Guruzeta (Athletic)
- Preseason Pichichi (top scorer for Athletic in friendlies)
- Wants to smash his LaLiga ceiling of 14 goals in a single season
- The established leader of the attack
Robbie Ure (Sevilla)
- Scottish newcomer – just arrived
- Already made an impact: won one of the two penalties vs Rayo
- Looking for his first official goal in a Sevilla shirt
Match Timeline: What to Expect
- Pre-Match: Festival atmosphere outside San Mamés (Aste Nagusia vibes)
- Ceremony: Tribute to World Cup winners (Simón, Laporte, Nico, De la Fuente)
- Kick-off (17:00): Terzic’s first competitive home game in charge
- First Half: Tactical chess match – Athletic’s home power vs Sevilla’s early momentum
- Key Battle: Guruzeta vs. Sevilla’s defense vs. Ure vs. Athletic’s defense
- Second Half: Fresh legs, potential debut for Kochorashvili?
- Final Whistle: Three points up for grabs in the 2024/25 LaLiga table
Key Takeaways (The "Too Long Didn’t Read" Version)
5 Things You Must Know:
- Historic Setting: LaLiga starts in Bilbao during the city’s biggest festival.
- World Cup Flavor: Three champions play for Athletic; their coach watches from the stands.
- New Era: First home game for Athletic’s coach (Terzic/Valverde).
- Sevilla’s Edge: Already have 3 points, but terrible recent record at San Mamés.
- Striker Duel: Veteran Guruzeta vs. Rookie Ure – who writes the first chapter of the season?
Summary
The 2024/25 LaLiga season opens at San Mamés with a blockbuster: Athletic Club vs Sevilla. It’s more than a game—it’s a festival, a World Cup reunion, and a managerial debut rolled into one. Athletic miss key defenders but welcome back their world champions. Sevilla arrive with momentum but a long hoodoo in Bilbao and a makeshift squad. All eyes on the strikers: Guruzeta hunting records, Ure hunting his first goal. Grab a pintxo, tune in at 17:00, and enjoy the show!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What is "Aste Nagusia"?
It’s Bilbao’s Great Week – a massive 9-day festival with music, fireworks, giants, and street parties. The chupinazo (opening rocket) launches the madness. The match kicks off right as the party starts!
2. Who is "Terzic"? I thought Valverde coached Athletic?
The source text mentions Terzic as the coach making his home debut. Note: As of August 2024, Ernesto Valverde is Athletic’s coach. This article reflects the specific source text provided, which may refer to a different context or contain an error.
3. Why hasn’t Sevilla won at San Mamés since 2023?
San Mamés is a fortress. The crowd (53,000+), the pitch dimensions, and Athletic’s intense home style make it brutally hard for visitors. Sevilla’s last win there was April 27, 2023.
4. Can Kochorashvili play if he hasn’t trained?
Yes. If he’s registered before the deadline, he’s eligible. Coaches sometimes throw new signings in "cold" if they’re desperate or the player is very fit. It’s risky but legal.
5. What does "Pichichi" mean?
It’s the top scorer award in LaLiga (named after legendary Athletic striker Rafael Moreno "Pichichi"). Being "preseason Pichichi" means Guruzeta scored the most for Athletic in friendlies.