For some time now, Athletic has been living one of those dreams from which one wishes never to wake up. After the victory against Sevilla on Thursday, the lions closed with 38 points, their best first round since 1983. But not only that, but in the current format of the competition, a team with such a score in the middle campaign never won. without playing in the Champions League next season. Data that, at the very least, invites optimism and, why not, to continue dreaming.
There is an expectation to see how the team will respond after the return of Christmas against an Andalusian team in need of victory. Later, these games posed a challenge for Ernesto Valverde’s men, as any good streak that had accumulated up to that point was cut short by over-receiving or what was known as the “aspirin team “, an adjective that for a time Athletic it. go to her hair.
This time the lions, however, again showed that things have changed. In the first half the team played amazingly and managed to put the game away. He did it in the second without giving the rival almost any choice. Add and continue.
A peaceful dream that could be more if the good dynamics reached the Cup as well. Tomorrow, Athletic visit Ipurua to face Eibar in a rivalry that a priori they should overcome without any difficulty. So far, the rojiblancos have gone through all the qualifying rounds they have played in this season, but it is true that they are going through more difficulties than necessary considering the level of their rivals.
Something that may not matter if victory is achieved, although it is always more satisfying if the team plays well. Still, more than exciting goals that could end up with Valverde’s men competing in the Champions League in the 2024-205 season and, why not, lifting a 25th Copa del Rey title. First test without Iñaki Williams
A good dynamic that cannot be understood without the brilliant form of Iñaki Williams, opponent of the red and white news in recent weeks. The forward will play in the African Cup with the Ghana team and at least a month and a half, a real obstacle that we will see how Athletic overcome. Once the lions passed the first test without the oldest of the brothers.
We will see if in the following matches the team will be able to maintain the level and continue to add victories without its ‘black star’, or if, on the contrary, the “Iñakidependencia” is confirmed.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
