Athletic Club Vs AZ

Athletic Bilbao is set to welcome AZ Alkmaar to San Mames for their first European match in over six years this Thursday, marking a significant occasion for the Basque club as they aim to reestablish their presence on the continental stage. The last time Bilbao hosted a European fixture was a long while ago, and the anticipation surrounding this match reflects their commitment to returning to elite competition.

Match Preview

The Basque side commenced their Europa League campaign with an impressive away draw against AS Roma, securing a valuable point in the Italian capital. In contrast, AZ Alkmaar enjoyed a successful start to their campaign, achieving victory on the first matchday, setting the stage for a competitive encounter.

Athletic Bilbao has experienced a notable absence from European football in recent years, which has felt particularly prolonged given their impressive record of qualifying for continental competitions seven times in nine seasons between 2009 and 2018. This absence has not only impacted the club's visibility but also influenced player decisions. Notably, the prospect of European football was believed to play a crucial role in keeping local talent Nico Williams at the club during the summer transfer window, as he expressed a strong desire to represent Athletic on an international platform.

In their opening match of the group stage, Aitor Paredes clinched a late equalizer against Roma, demonstrating Athletic's resilience and ability to compete in challenging scenarios. This match was widely regarded as one of the most daunting fixtures in the league phase for the team, yet they managed to emerge with a crucial point.

Under the leadership of Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao will face a challenging schedule that includes two trips to Turkey. However, they are optimistic about their chances at home, where they will host AZ Alkmaar, along with Slavia Prague, Elfsborg, and Viktoria Plzen in their remaining group matches.

Athletic's most recent match ended in another 1-1 draw, but the circumstances were notably different from their encounter with Roma. Sevilla managed to snatch a late equalizer in injury time, leading to a disappointing outcome for Valverde's side, which saw them slip out of the La Liga top four despite a strong run of form that had seen them win four out of their last five league matches.

Despite these dropped points, AZ Alkmaar will undoubtedly approach the match with caution, aware of the formidable reputation Athletic Bilbao holds at San Mames. The only defeat the home side has suffered since the start of last season was against Atletico Madrid at the end of August. Prior to that, their only home loss came on the opening day of last season against Real Madrid, highlighting their dominance on home turf.

On the other hand, AZ Alkmaar arrives in Bilbao with a slightly bruised morale after suffering their first defeat of the season in their last league match. Under the management of Maarten Martens, the Dutch club had an impressive run, accumulating 19 points out of a possible 21 before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at home against Utrecht. This loss allowed PSV Eindhoven to extend their lead at the top of the Eredivisie standings, casting a shadow over AZ's early-season success.

However, AZ Alkmaar did kick off their Europa League campaign on a positive note, coming from behind to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Elfsborg. Troy Parrott scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot after Ruben van Bommel had netted a brace earlier in the match. Despite this victory, AZ’s overall record in the Europa League has been somewhat disappointing, with only three wins out of 11 matches in the competition. Their away form, in particular, raises concerns, as they have lost their last five away games in European competition, including three consecutive losses on Spanish soil.

While the prospect of replicating their remarkable journey to the Europa League final in 1981 may be unlikely, AZ Alkmaar would certainly appreciate emulating the success they achieved during their run to the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League in 2023. The club's ambitions remain high, and they will be eager to make a mark in this season's tournament.

The upcoming match at San Mames presents a crucial opportunity for both teams. Athletic Bilbao aims to solidify their position in the group stage and reclaim their status in European football, while AZ Alkmaar seeks to bounce back from their recent setback and prove their mettle in a challenging away fixture. The atmosphere at San Mames is expected to be electric, with passionate home supporters eager to witness their team’s return to European action.

As the two teams prepare to face off, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Athletic Bilbao's home advantage plays a role in determining the outcome. Will the Basque club harness the energy of their supporters and turn it into a decisive victory, or will AZ Alkmaar rise to the occasion and prove their worth on the European stage?

In conclusion, the match between Athletic Bilbao and AZ Alkmaar is not just a clash of teams but a reflection of aspirations, hopes, and the drive to succeed in European football. As the players take to the field, they will not only represent their clubs but also embody the rich histories and passionate fan bases that define them. The upcoming encounter promises to be an exciting chapter in both clubs' quests for success in the Europa League.