The Lions of Basque Country - Athletic Bilbao FIFA 14

[KG]

Video Blog detailing the "goings on" at Athletic Bilbao & La Liga in the Summer of 2014


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[KG]

YEAR 2 MATCHDAY 1

VS

ATHLETIC BILBAO 0 - FC BARCELONA 2

Expectations this year for Bilbao are high and justifiably so. Athletic were arguably the best club in La Liga for the 2nd half of last year and their performance carried them within a whisker of the final Champions League spot. This year the schedule makers would deal them two tests to start off the year as Barcelona come to town followed up by a trip to the Bernabeau. Pre-match excitement was quickly tamed as Messi struck twice in the first half to doom the hosts. Left without a man-marker Messi was allowed to drop deep and start the attack. While Bilbao Manager Carlos Fuerte made 2nd half adjustments to mark Messi it was too late as the hosts couldn't crack the scoresheet. Bilbao will need to be better next week as they can't afford to fall too far behind in the standings.



Up next:@ Real Madrid

[moose141]

Tough break there, not fair what Messi was able to do in that game.

[KG]

Quote: Originally Posted by moose141

Tough break there, not fair what Messi was able to do in that game.

He was vintage Messi in the first half but I got cocky and tried to play him straight up with no help AND my 4th choice CB. Once I marked him with De Marcos in the 2nd half we were able to neutralize their attack but they still had ~60% possession.

[KG]

@ [/center]

After a disappointing home opener vs FC Barcelona Athletic Bilbao faced the harsh reality of a trip the Santiago Bernebeau and potentially 6 dropped points to start the year. Athletic took this challenge head-on and went out and took care of business. With the news of Ronaldo's sale to Manchester City on deadline day many around Madrid weren't worried considering the plethora of attacking options they have in Bale, Suarez, and Lewandoski. All 3 played today and all 3 were shut down. After Isco shot wide in the 11th minute it was all Bilbao. In the 39th Munian fought off Angel Di Maria and sent in a cross that was met by Aduriz who buried it past Iker Casillas. 8 minutes after the intermission it was Munian again who found Ander Herrera unmarked in the box. Herrera was allowed enough to turn and fire off a shot that put Bilbao up 2-0 and sealed the 3 points for the visitors. No time to rest for Bilbao as they travel back home to take on crosstown rivals Sociedad next.



Up next: Sociedad (H)

[KG]

2014-2015 BASQUE DERBY DAY PART UNO!

The San Mammes hosted the 135th Basque Derby tonight as hosts Bilbao look to win three straight vs their local rivals. Full squads are available for both clubs tonight.

Basque Derby League History:

Team Played Victories Draws Losses Goals for Goals Against
Athletic Club 134 56 33 45 229 184
Real Sociedad 134 45 33 56 182 229


Onto the game:

Fast fluid football by the visitors resulted in an early decision by the referee today. Bilbao CB Mikel San Jose went to ground early and got none of the ball as a penalty was awarded to Sociedad in the 16th minute. Carlos Vela stepped up to the sport and sent it over as the visitors squandered an early chance. Fast forward to the 2nd half and the hosts would get on the scoresheet off a quick counter that opened up the Sociedad defense culminating in De Marcos slotting a left-footed shot past the keeper. Soceidad would respond in the 75th when Vela was left unmarked in the box. His run was spotted and despite a heavy first touch, he was able to flick it past Iraizoz for the equalizer as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

[Qb]

Did you see how much City paid for Ronaldo?

[KG]

Quote: Originally Posted by Qb

Did you see how much City paid for Ronaldo?

$55 million euros which tbh is kind of a steal. I inquired about Higuain considering he has Basque roots and Napoli responded with 37.5 million euros.