A Lame Win Puts the Lions at the Top of La Liga
By: Paul | September 13th, 2009
Today, Athletic played Xerez and barely won, with the only goal coming from an own goal by Xerez. Because last night was a crazy night for me (Saturday night for a college student, I’m sure you understand), I woke up late, had to meet some people for lunch, and only saw about 20 minutes of the second half. From what I saw, the team actually looked pretty sharp, but not until Munian was brought on- before that De Marcos was just unable to get himself into the game. Still, Munian, while strong, was not able to provide the necessary breakout to provide Athletic with a legitimate goal.
Now, I said earlier that the team did not really look BAD, and there are some who may disagree. Xerez is a newly promoted side and pretty week, and it definitely showed today. Athletic was not able to create many chances, but they were able to take advantage of Xerez’s mistakes, as evidenced by the own goal that provided a win to Athletic. Xerez earned more yellow cards, and, as seen below, one of their players was redcarded. When Xerez did set up attacks, the gulf in ability between the two teams was obvious because Xerez could not get strong shots, and I don’t think that Iraizoz had to make any masterful saves.
Still, the team will have to improve if they want to realize their potential. Had this been a game against, say, Villareal or Getafe, I am relatively sure Los Leones would have lost- pulling out a 0-0 draw if they were lucky. Athletic find themselves at the top of the table along with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia- the only four teams to win both of their first two games. I am enjoying leading the league in points while I can, but I am optimistic that if Athletic can realize their potential (which they seem to be so close to doing), they will easily finish in the top half of the table, maybe even winning a Europa spot for 2010-11.
The next game is the continuation of the current Europa League odyssey, to be contested on Thursday, at home against Austria Wien.
Category: Athletic Bilbao Team News
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Comments | Add your comment
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I’ll take it. After the break a rusty performance should be expected. 3 points against promoted sides is all I ask. Xerez didn’t create anything, and once we got the goal we went about our business kicking them around, our lead never looked in doubt.
Bring on Wien, and hopefully another deserved 3 points.
Posted from
United States
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I spoke to someone the other day, someone close to an ex-Athletic player. This player was a hugely promising star wanted by the likes of Madrid, Barcelona and Italian teams in the mid 90s but decided to stay at Bilbao and never quite fulfilled his potential. He became grey and faded. Anyhow, this person was telling me that there are certain players (still at Athletic today although close to retirement) that prevent the advancement of the team. I didn’t get to find out any more, this was a conversation in passing and there were a lot of other people there and we moved onto other subjects but I wonder if there’s any truth behind it.
As for yesterday’s match, I didn’t watch it so I can’t really comment but it is important to win away against the likes of Xerez. As much as it pains me to say, and until the team proves me wrong, that is our ‘war’.
Posted from
Ireland -
Dude, that is the way Bilbo wins with their pseudo defensive premiership style. There is no midfield, but that said I was proud of Susa’s, Iker’s, Amore’s and Llorente’s performances. They grind out the results. I am soooo happy that Athletic has won the first two games and started rather strong. This is a very good thing. It’s about time.
Laura it is true about the old guard sticking around, however, I feel Caparros has done a very good job of reinvigorating the squad with little money, good scouting, and promoting within.
Posted from
United States -
bueno bueno … este post no merece nada: (… hahaha bromeando: P … buen puesto: P
Posted from
Australia
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