Athletic Bilbao Bows Out of Champions League with Financial Gains

omidbasir- Athletic Bilbao has concluded its Champions League journey in the group stage, but not without substantial financial gain. The team departs the tournament after playing eight matches, earning €24.2 million from its performance. Each participating club received a fixed sum of €18.6 million, which can be increased based on their results: UEFA rewards teams with €2.1 million for each victory and €700,000 for draws.

This financial outcome exceeded the club’s initial budget, which had anticipated a more conservative performance. During the Assembly of Compromised Partners last October, Ruiz-Longarte, the club’s treasurer, mentioned, “We expect Athletic not to proceed beyond the group stage. We budgeted for only one win and two draws in the Champions League, which would mean no bonuses for the players.” However, the results have surpassed expectations, with Athletic now having generated more revenue from the competition than during their previous Europa League campaign, where they reached the semifinals and earned €23.9 million in bonuses.

The last Champions League match also took a toll on the team’s fitness, as player Sancet was unable to complete the game and had to be substituted shortly after halftime. The Navarrese player, who scored his first goal of the season against Sporting Lisbon, experienced a muscular issue that led to Coach Valverde’s decision to withdraw him from the match.

Sancet exited the field on his own and, upon reaching the bench, discussed the nature of his discomfort and the sensations it caused him. He is scheduled for imaging tests on Thursday and is currently uncertain for the upcoming derby against Real Sociedad. Athletic’s next matches will be in the Copa del Rey against Valencia on February 4, followed by a league game at San Mamés against Levante on February 8.