The match played yesterday in Türkiye made it clear that Athletic is in the next stage of the new Europa League. The lions also took a very important step to become one of the eight qualifiers that will enter directly into the round of 16. In doing so, the red and whites will avoid the so-called eliminatory play-off phase, with the dispute scheduled for on February 13 and 20 and where the results will be known on January 31.
In the absence of playing the remaining matches of this tournament scheduled for today; Athletic’s difference to the ninth-placed team, a position they share from sixth to tenth in the table at the moment, is six points. The men of Bilbao have two more events ahead of them: Besiktas in Türkiye on January 22 and Viktoria Pilsen in San Mamés eight days later. If they remain in the top eight at the end of January, Valverde’s men will not have another European event until March 6 and 13.
UEFA, by the way, has made it clear in its regulations that from the current group stage onwards, teams can face another club from the same national federation in the eliminatory play-off, on the one hand, that the matches can also be against rivals they have faced in the current league stage.
all in one
Athletic, beyond the performance given on the grass by the players chosen by Valverde for the occasion, made it clear that they are building a team. The reaction of the lions both on and off the field, including the Gasteiz coach, when Amrabat lost his temper against Sancet left no room for doubt. The picture that can be seen above these lines proves this.
The Navarrese, unlike on previous occasions, did not step on the cane this time. His colleagues also reacted in time. Society in hardships and comforts.
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.
