Athletic Club vs Qarabag

This UEFA Champions League League Phase matchday 3 fixture pits two teams with vastly different starts to their European campaigns: a storied Spanish club struggling to find form against a history-making Azerbaijani side riding a wave of momentum.

Fixture Details:

• Competition: UEFA Champions League - League Phase (Matchday 3)

• Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

• Kick-off: 18:45 CEST (Local Time in Bilbao)

• Venue: Estadio de San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain

Form Guide & Standings

Athletic Club's Situation: Athletic's return to the Champions League League Phase has been tough, marked by two consecutive defeats and a poor goal difference. Domestically, their form has been inconsistent (one win in their last eight games across all competitions), adding pressure on coach Ernesto Valverde to secure a much-needed European win at home. Historically, San Mamés is a fortress, and avoiding a third straight home defeat in European competition will be a significant psychological target for the Basque side.

Qarabağ FK's Situation: Qarabağ have been the genuine surprise package of the competition, earning two vital victories against tough opposition (Benfica and FC Copenhagen). Coach Gurban Gurbanov's side has translated their strong domestic form (top of the league, six straight wins in all competitions) onto the biggest European stage. They are now in a fantastic position to challenge for a knockout spot.

Tactical Breakdown

Athletic Club: Finding the Attacking Spark

Athletic typically employ a high-energy, direct 4-2-3-1 formation.

• Key Strengths: Pressing intensity and utilizing the pace of their wingers, particularly Nico Williams and Inaki Williams, to create wide overloads and crosses for target man Gorka Guruzeta.

• The Challenge: They have lacked composure and precision in the final third and at the back, conceding six goals in two matches. Midfield control from players like Ruiz de Galarreta will be crucial to starve Qarabağ of transition opportunities.

Qarabağ FK: Precision in Transition

Qarabağ, likely setting up in a disciplined 4-2-3-1, have demonstrated excellent balance and clinical finishing.

• Key Strengths: They are structured defensively in a mid-block and are lightning-quick in transition. Players like Abdellah Zoubir (known for creativity and goals) and Leandro Andrade (pace on the break) are crucial threats. Their collective scoring (five goals from five different scorers) highlights their depth and team ethic.

• The Challenge: They will need to maintain their compact shape under intense pressure from the San Mamés crowd and Athletic's initial attacking surges. They have never defeated a Spanish side (D2 L4), adding a historical barrier.

Head-to-Head History

This will be the inaugural competitive meeting between Athletic Club and Qarabağ FK.

• Athletic vs. Azerbaijani Opposition: Athletic's only previous fixture against an Azerbaijani club was a 2-0 aggregate victory over Keshla in 2015.

• Qarabağ vs. Spanish Opposition: Qarabağ are winless in all six previous meetings against Spanish teams (D2 L4), with their last fixture being a 3-0 defeat to Villarreal in 2020.

Key Players to Watch

Prediction

This match presents a significant psychological hurdle for both teams. Athletic must break their losing streak and restore confidence, while Qarabağ are aiming to prove their early results are no fluke by claiming their first-ever victory on Spanish soil. The Basque side's quality should eventually show through, but Qarabağ's current form and momentum make them a dangerous opponent capable of snatching a point.

Predicted Score: Athletic Club 1 - 1 Qarabağ FK

A draw keeps Qarabağ's historic run going and leaves Athletic with a mountain to climb in the remaining matchdays.