Athletic 3-Austria Wien 0: Lions Roar

By: Paul | September 18th, 2009

Athletic continued their Europa League campaign yesterday, opening the group stage with a 3-0 win over Austria Wien. I personally did not see the game due to my class schedule, but the scoreline tells it all: Athletic have found their form. They opened up the La Liga campaign with two wins, and yesterday proved their worth with a strong showing. Because I didn’t see the game, I will post my impressions from what I’ve read, but if you saw it feel free to correct me or leave your personal impressions.

Llorente awoke (finally) scoring twice, once off of an 8th minute penalty and again in the 24th minute. Munian was given a start and scored the third and final goal of the match in the 56th minute, once again showing great work ethic, pace, and proving to me that he is the future of the club. I hope he and Llorente are cranking out the goals for years to come. As shown in the Xerez game, the Basques drew more fouls and capitalized on the other team’s mistakes. Yeste was able to shake off an injury, return early, and play the entire match. Athletic’s defense did not give up goals like they had previously against what I view as weaker teams (Austria is no different) and for the first time in this campaign I am able to smile comfortably without any doubts as to Athletic’s form.

Athletic will be returning to league action on Saturday with a game against Villareal, and return to the Europa League on October first against Werder Bremen. The next five games are Villareal (9/20), @ Tenerife (9/23), Sevilla (9/26), @ Werder (10/1), and @ Valladolid (10/4). This is a jammed fixture list and the games against Villareal, Sevilla, and Weder will be very tough. Hopefully the good form stays and the boys can get through it with some points.

One more thing to point out- yesterday marks Etxeberria’s 500th appearance for Athletic Club Bilbao. Hats off to him- he has 500 caps (get it?).