The Lions of Basque Country - Athletic Bilbao FIFA 14

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MATCHDAY 16

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SEVILLA 1 - ATHLETIC BILBAO 2

This time it was the visitors Bilbao who got off to the hot start. Susaeta would put Bilbao ahead after some lovely build-up play would culminate in a sweet right footed shot into the far top corner. After Diego Perotti equalized for the hosts it was Ander Herrera's individual effort that would gain the visitors a valuable 3 points. Weaving through defenders his near-post shot would leave the Sevilla keeper rooted to the spot. Bilbao needed a little bit of luck and they got such in extra time when Fazio's header hit the crossbar and bounced into the the hands of Bilbao keeper Iraizoz.



Up next: vs Rayo Vallecano

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MATCHDAY 17

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ATHLETIC BILBAO 4 - RAYO 0

"Athletic, Athletic, eup! , Athletic rojo y blanco" was the chant heard around San Mammes tonight as the rojo y blancos put in their finest shift of the season tonight. Benat got the party started with perhaps a goal of the season nominee. A first-time left footed shot curved and beat the Rayo keeper. In De Marcos' absence Benat will be called upon to provide and score goals. A rare goal from Balenziaga came next followed up by a Susaeta tap in, assisted by Munian who had 2 on the day. Susaeta got his brace in the 2nd half off a left footed daisy-cutter earning Bilbao their 2nd straight victory.



Up next: Copa del Ray @ Espanyol (Round of 32)

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ROUND of 32, 2nd LEG

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ESPANYOL 0 - ATHLETIC BILBAO 0

Bilbao drew tonight in a relatively boring game. Athletic had a few chances but could not crack the goal as they have now advanced due to the away goal rule.



Up next:Copa del Ray Round of 16 @ Granada

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GRANADA 1 - ATHLETIC BILBAO 4

Bilbao all but sealed their place into the Quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey today with a 4-1 thumping of Granada. LW Ibai Gomez's left footed strike got the visitors off to the 1-0 start. A Benat bending free kick would follow. An Aduriz near-post rocket and a Toquerio cool finish would round off the scoring for Bilbao. Granda was able to score late but the 4-1 scoreline will allow Manager Fuerte to rest several key starters in what looks like a fixture pile up start to January.

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BREAKING NEWS

Ander Herrera has been ruled out for at least 3 months with a broken ankle sustained during the 4-1 win over Grenada.

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With De Marcos missing due to injury Manager Fuerte will look to his bench to pick up the creative slack. Youngsters Oscar Gil & Ager Akexte could see more action.

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COPA DEL REY - Round of 16 - Leg 2

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ATHLETIC BILBAO 0 - GRENADA 2

It wasn't the prettiest of efforts but Bilbao held on to advance into the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey 4-3 on aggregate. After a 4-1 win in the first leg and the fixture list piling up Manager Fuerte decided to rest a lot of his first-team regulars tonight. Ander Herrera was injured so young CAM Ager Agexte started. Defensively, the Lions played disciplined but had a scare late when Grenada would score 2 goals late but would go wanting for that 3rd pivotal goal.



Up next: UD Almeria

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ATHLETIC BILBAO 1 - UD Almeria 0

It took 90 minutes and then some for Athletic Bilbao to crack the goal today and earn a valuable 3 points as they have now won 3 straight in the league. It was often-maligned ST Aduriz whose aerial presence had been a nuisance all year rose high on the corner and buried it in the back of the net. With a mid week Copa del Rey trip to the Vincente Calderon followed by a trip to Valladolid on Saturday manager Fuerte played a combination of youth & regulars.



Up next: @ Atletico Madrid - Copa del Rey - Semifinals - 1st Leg

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Manager Carlos Fuerte lashed out at league officials today regarding the packed fixture list which has begun to compile at an alarming rate.

"8 matches in 21 days including 3 in one week, 4 in 9 days, 5 in 11 is ridiculous. If the fans want to see the best quality than they officials need to do something about it. Perhaps cut down some on the winter break. I could only imagine what would happen if we were in a European competition." said an irate Fuerte.

Not only have Atletic lost De Marcos & Herrera to injury but starting CB Ekiza was ruled out for 2 weeks with an ankle sprain. The physios in Basque country have been working extremely hard to maintain sharpness for the players.