First Point of the Season
By: Elisa | September 15th, 2008What is the old fútbol saying, win your games at home and draw when away? Is that what Athletic was trying to do? I saw a team that was unsure of itself, that was afraid to attack but did whatever it takes not to lose. Two goose eggs at Málaga. A clean sheet away. The debut of two young upstarts – Ander Iturapse in the middle and Mikel Balenziaga at left back, who looked very promising.
But something was missing with Athletic. Forget about the excuses – it was hot, the pitch was horrendous, etc. etc. The first half was a boring long ball game to Llorente. Javi Martinez, in the middle, looked lost and the midfield just plain lacked any creativity. The second half was much improved. Good ball movement from Yeste, linking up with Susaeta. Amorebieta played the ball well from the back, forward. A lot of corners won and opportunities going forward. Athletic looked far superior and I felt a goal would come. But it didn’t. How ironic that Aduriz opened his goal account for Mallorca, the very same day. (You go Aritz!)
Málaga read what we were trying to do and shut down the game. They double teamed Susa and defended extremely well. The Andalusians went back into attack mode, but this time our defense held well and Gorka continued on, in fine form. Caparrós decided to use the last two substitutions to kill time, rather than to reinvigorate the squad, so he left them quite late. I guess he was playing for the draw. But why do I feel empty, more like two points lost.
More anecdotes:
*David Lopez wants more minutes on the pitch. Let’s give it to him. He had a decent game and still has a lot of potential. Plus, he has a wicked free kick.
*What’s up with Llorente’s sponsor-less shirt? No Petronor? Are finances that bad?
*Why is Caparrós not playing new signing, Joseba Del Olmo? He had a decent pre-season. I just don’t get it!
*Good to see Luque playing in La Liga again, this time with Málaga. He was very dangerous.
* Shame on the Málaga Ultras singing “you’re not Spanish, you’re sons of b****”! The LFP needs to sanction or fine the club. Ridiculous!
We need to make the next three games count against Valladolid, Recre and Geta, before we face the big boys – Sevilla, Barça and Madrid. We don’t want or need another relegation battle.
Category: Athletic Bilbao Team News
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