Athletic Club’s Critical Match Against Sporting Portugal: A Path to Redemption

omidbasir- On April 26, 2012, Athletic Club triumphed over Sporting Portugal in their last official encounter, a victory that occurred 5,025 days ago. This win not only propelled Athletic into their second European final—both of which they ultimately lost—but also established the match as iconic for a generation that had seen few gratifying moments with the team. The hearts of fans present that day at the old San Mamés Stadium raced with excitement, reminiscent of the exhilarating comeback against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey semi-finals in 2009. The clash against Sporting has since become a hallmark of Marcelo Bielsa’s era, while the Copa match remains one of Joaquín Caparrós’s most memorable nights. With historic moments like qualifying for the Champions League against Napoli and the 2015 Supercopa triumph over Barcelona, Ernesto Valverde stands on the brink of creating another special memory.

As the initial phase of the Champions League wraps up, San Mamés transforms into a stage for what could be one of the defining matches of the farewell round. Athletic Club holds its fate in its hands: a victory over Sporting would secure direct passage into the round of 32. A draw could also suffice, though it would hinge on other match results. Progressing to the knockout stage would represent a significant achievement for a team that, just last week, faced potential elimination in Bergamo but managed to turn the tide and arrive at San Mamés filled with aspirations. All that matters now is the present moment.

The challenge is formidable. Athletic Club has struggled in Europe, experiencing a rollercoaster of performances—exerting commendable effort to secure a draw against PSG, earning a dramatic win over Atalanta, and delivering a respectable half-hour against Dortmund. However, the team has yet to find comfort in their play. Even in a match where they overcame Qarabag after conceding an early goal, the current Champions League run starkly contrasts with their previous Europa League season, during which Athletic aimed to dominate every game, drawing momentum from their strong continental performances to elevate their league standing.

The current situation presents a different image. It lacks vibrancy, brilliance, and fluidity. La Liga has become a quagmire of uncertainties that are difficult to overcome. Athletic has entered this Champions League finale amidst significant issues in the league, recording 11 losses out of 21 matches, with relegation looming after any slip-up. Their upcoming schedule features a derby against Real Sociedad, who are riding high on a three-match winning streak. Overcoming this negative trend and focusing on the immediate challenge will be central to Valverde’s strategy as he seeks his 224th victory as Athletic’s coach. Should the match against Sporting result in his 150th defeat in this journey, Athletic’s Champions League aspirations may come to an abrupt end.

Opposing them is Sporting Portugal, who opted not to train at San Mamés to maintain their routine at their usual training center. This is a common practice among several clubs in the competition, despite a growing consensus on the importance of familiarizing with the stadium prior to competition. The Lisbon side shares the same points as the sixth-placed team, Manchester City, and will be vying for a coveted spot in the knockout stages. They have scored in every European match this season but have yet to secure a victory away from Alvalade, suffering losses to Napoli and Bayern while drawing with Juventus.