Padilla to Start for Athletic in Copa Semifinal Against Real Sociedad

omidbasir- The Athletic Club has announced that Padilla will be the starting goalkeeper in the upcoming Copa semifinal against Real Sociedad. Coach Valverde has confirmed that Padilla is the only starting player designated for this match, having also played in the quarterfinals against Valencia. Valverde is aware that this decision raises eyebrows in press conferences, particularly as it is uncommon for a coach to bench a first-choice national team goalkeeper in favor of a regular backup.

At just 22 years old, Padilla has appeared in only three matches this season, all in the Copa del Rey. In contrast, Simón has been the starting goalkeeper for the remaining 32 competitive matches across the Champions League and Supercopa. However, Simón’s position is not guaranteed, as Valverde has established a precedent for Cup competitions favoring Padilla. This strategy aligns with Valverde’s longstanding approach to rotation; in both finals he led Athletic, in 2015 and 2024, he opted for less frequently used goalkeepers, choosing Herrerín in 2015 and Agirrezabala in the victory against Mallorca.

Despite the pressure of this decision, Valverde stands firm in his strategy. He takes full responsibility for his choices and does not simply assign roles among his goalkeepers as if organizing a maintenance crew. Padilla’s selection to face Real Sociedad is based on his previous performances and his dedication in training. He is fully aware that he must perform to continue his Copa journey, as Valverde has not guaranteed him continued play without merit.

Tonight, Padilla will open the most challenging round of his professional career at San Mamés. Until now, he has never played with a spot in a final at stake. Last year, he was on loan with Pumas in Mexico, where he played 18 matches, many with significant implications, as losses meant elimination. He reached the second round in the Clausura tournament and was eliminated in the CONCACAF quarterfinals by Vancouver.

The performance of Padilla this season is crucial for the planning of the goalkeeping position for the upcoming campaign. Simón’s contract extends until 2029, mirroring Padilla’s tenure. Meanwhile, Agirrezabala is currently on loan at Valencia with a non-mandatory purchase option, having signed until 2027 with the potential to extend for two more years. It is clear that the three goalkeepers cannot coexist within the same team strategy moving forward.