A Win…Then Another Loss

By: Paul | October 25th, 2009

Once again, I am a bit late posting about some of the latest action. As per usual, I have had schoolwork that has kept me away, but also I grabbed myself a new girlfriend, so I’ve been hanging out with her a lot. But hey, I’m unimportant- let’s get down to business!!

nacionalllorente Three days ago, Athletic returned to Europa League action, facing CD Nacional from Portugal. I was able to watch the first 25 minutes or so of the game, which really were rather pedestrian. However, I am pleased with the result that was obtained. The win was the first we’ve seen since September (yes, it has really been that long!) and was an instance of Fernando Llorente saving the team- something he seems to do quite often. Our boys fell 1-0 before half-time, with Etxeberria equalizing in the second half, and Llorente bringing a late winner four minutes before the final whistle. It looked to be a good sign, Athletic was able to fight off recent bad form and battle back. Sure, I don’t think it was their best display, but I personally was given some added confidence going into the game against Getafe, which ended just a few hours ago.
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Today’s game was, once again, a game I missed. For my research methods class, we have to conduct opinion polling of Virginia residents, as Virginia has elections coming up for state offices. My time was getafesad occupied from 1pm to 4pm, but I wore my Athletic shirt today as a show of support. Obviously, this couldn’t help Los Leones, who lost the game 2-0. Not only did they lose, but they did not lose in style at all. Two players were given their marching orders- Ustaritz and Gurpegi- and one of the goals scored was from a penalty. Really, it seems like Ustaritz has been doing this a lot as of late. I understand that Athletic has a reputation to uphold as tough, scrappy, hard-men, but a little discipline would be nice- especially if you’re a player like Ustaritz who seems to be collecting reds like Pokemon cards. Gurpegi collected 2 yellows before the first half ended, take what you will from that.

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After a very bright beginning to the season, I am disappointed. I don’t know about you, but I thought this year would be different. There are many games left, of course, but my earlier optimism is almost all gone.

In better news:
Llorente has signed a new contract, committing to Athletic until 2013 and has become the club’s highest-paid player ever. Glad to see this because I can’t count the number of times he has almost single-handedly pulled out wins for Athletic.

I am missing the spark given by Muniain right now, I must say. However, Spain begins U-17 World Cup action tomorrow against the United States at 2pm Eastern. The game will be shown on espn360.com and I’ll tune in once I return from class at 2:10. I will be rooting for the Americans to take the game, but I hope that Muniain scores 15 goals and the U.S. wins the game with 16.

The Football Manager 2010 demo is out. I’m playing as Athletic and doing very, very well- my virtual team is in third place and it’s now December in-game. The full version comes out on Friday and I have it pre-ordered so I’ll be playing as Athletic on there. Hopefully I can have as much success in the full version as the demo, because it helps me forget the real-life Athletic Club Bilbao for a short time.

Athletic’s next game is the first match of this year’s Copa del Rey, and will be played away at Rayo Vallecano. This should be a win and might make me feel a bit better.