Athletic Bilbao kicks off their 2025-26 La Liga season at home against Sevilla this Sunday. Coming off a fantastic fourth-place finish last season, The Lions will be looking for a strong start at San Mames. They secured their spot in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2014-15 season, marking a huge achievement for the club.
Despite their unique Basque-only transfer policy, Athletic has made a few key moves, bringing in Jesus Areso from Osasuna and Robert Navarro from Mallorca.
But their most important move was keeping star player Nico Williams, who signed a new contract despite heavy interest from Barcelona. However, their preseason has been worrying, with six losses in seven friendlies, including a recent 3-0 defeat to Arsenal.
On the other side, Sevilla had a terrible 2024-25 season, barely avoiding relegation with a 17th-place finish—their worst in two decades. They’ve brought in new management under Matias Almeyda and have added three new players, including goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos on loan from Newcastle. Unlike Athletic, Sevilla’s preseason has been positive, with only one loss in seven matches.
When it comes to the lineups, Athletic will likely start new signing Areso at right-back and their dynamic duo, the Williams brothers, up front. They'll be without Yeray Alvarez due to suspension, and several other players are out with injuries.
For Sevilla, we can expect a debut for Gabriel Suazo, and Dodi Lukebakio, a key player last season with 11 goals, should also be in the starting eleven. However, six players are questionable and will need last-minute fitness tests.
