Kicks and Bruises

By: Elisa | August 5th, 2008

Athletic ended their preseason foray into England with a 1-2 win against League 1 division Colchester. To put it mildly, it was a rough and tumble game, where the referee absolutely had no clue how to maintain peace. Colchester United was raring to go with the grand opening of their new stadium. The Colchester fans were out in full force. The home players were pumped.

Was I expecting a 5 nil thrashing? Perhaps. Athletic had the majority of possession, especially in the first half. Caparros rested a lot of the A team and played 4-5-1 (Extebe, Yeste, Ocio, and Susa watched from the stadium. Javi Mar, Llorente, Casas, and Iraola came in as subs).

Team line up: Iraizoz; Murillo, Ustaritz, Amorebieta (46′ Casas), Koikili;
Iturraspe, Gurpegi, Del Olmo (92′ Iraola), David Lopez (90′ Javi Martínez), Gabilondo;
Aduriz (76′ Llorente);

El Zorro, Aritz Aduritz scored early after a nice combination between Gabilondo and young Iturraspe. This kid has been getting considerable time this pre-season and his distribution and passing has been quite impressive. But Athletic was taking the game in stride, and playing on the counter. Sort of taking it a little too easy.

Kudos to Colchester for taking it up a notch and taking the game to us. Ustaritz blocked a half volley by Yeates with his hand in the penalty area. Whoops! Talk about giving your opponent a gift. Vernon slotted in the penalty nicely. He faked out Gorka who went the wrong way. Even Stevens. Embarrassing.

In the second half, Colchester brought in new blood with five changes. Athletic only made one change Casas (at center back!!!) for Amorebieta who came off with a knock. Colchester on pure adrenalin looked sharper, more dangerous, and quite frankly ready for a rumble. I don’t know what their manager said in his half time talk but they boys came out to rattle and crunch Athletic. Colchester started kicking, bruising and clashing with our boys. The ref just turned the other eye, IMO. Murillo clashed with Coyne and then Izzet. Izzet only saw yellow, but it should have been red. Well Athletic are no boy scouts, Murillo lost his cool in the next clash and received a red in the 61st minute.

Athletic, now down to 10 men, had to watch their backs while doing whatever it takes to get another goal and not go home with their tail between their legs. New signing Joseba Del Olmo, who was having a great game, was fouled in the penalty area. Thank you ref, justice at last! David Lopez stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Another preseason victory for Zurrigori!!

Was this the best of wins? Of course not. Am I concerned as red cards seem to be a trend in our preseason games? Not really, that’s how we play. I’m proud of our boys. They don’t back down and will do whatever it takes to win. We do need more goal production, but that will come.

Check out the match report from the Colchester point of view.

Up next… The Colombino Trophy in Huelva as Los Leones face Malaga and then Recreativo on August 6th and 7th.

LATEST NEWS

Pablo Orbaiz and Ion Velez have recuperated and will rejoin the team in Huelva for the Colombino tourney.

Several Peñas have decided to come out against the new sponsorship on Athletic shirts. Peña Leones Italianos are boycotting the shirt. Peña Catedral de Leon will offer kits without the sponsorship. Peña Corredor de Hernanes is also boycotting the sponsored shirt.

Athletic Bilbao Google Calendar : The dates, times and events will be updated as they are confirmed. This is a great resource, so be sure to set it as a favorite on your PC. Check it out.