The UEFA Europa League has always been a stage for unexpected twists, tactical battles, and passionate football. The clash between Athletic Bilbao and Slavia Praha in the 2024/25 season was one such encounter that captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide. This article delves deep into the key aspects of this match, including team lineups, tactical approaches, and the overall impact on the tournament.
Team Lineups: A Closer Look
Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde, the seasoned manager of Athletic Bilbao, opted for a balanced lineup that combined experience and youth. The starting XI for the match against Slavia Praha was as follows:
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Defenders: Yuri Berchiche, Íñigo Martínez, Yeray Álvarez, Óscar de Marcos
Midfielders: Mikel Vesga, Dani García, Oihan Sancet
Forwards: Iker Muniain, Raúl García, Nico Williams
Slavia Praha
Jindřich Trpišovský, the manager of Slavia Praha, selected a lineup that prioritized defensive solidity and counter-attacking threats. The Czech side’s starting XI was composed of:
Goalkeeper: Ondřej Kolář
Defenders: Aiham Ousou, Ondřej Kúdela, Taras Kacharaba, Lukáš Provod
Midfielders: Lukáš Masopust, Oscar Dorley, Ibrahim Traoré
Forwards: Ivan Schranz, Jan Kuchta
Tactical Analysis
Athletic Bilbao’s Approach
Athletic Bilbao, known for their possession-based style of play and reliance on homegrown talent, aimed to dominate the midfield and create scoring opportunities through intricate passing and patient build-up. The inclusion of Sancet and Muniain in the attacking midfield roles provided creativity and flair, while the defensive solidity of the backline ensured a strong foundation.
Slavia Praha’s Strategy
Slavia Praha, on the other hand, employed a more pragmatic approach, focusing on a compact defensive structure and swift counter-attacks. The Czech side’s experienced defenders, led by Kúdela and Kacharaba, were tasked with thwarting Athletic Bilbao’s attacking threats. The midfield trio of Masopust, Dorley, and Traoré provided the necessary energy and work rate to win the ball back and initiate counter-attacks.
Key Match Moments
Athletic Bilbao’s Early Pressure: The Basque side started the game aggressively, dominating possession and creating several early chances. Muniain and Sancet were particularly influential, combining well to unlock the Slavia Praha defense.
Slavia Praha’s Counter-Attacking Threat: Despite facing early pressure, Slavia Praha remained patient and capitalized on defensive errors from Athletic Bilbao. Schranz and Kuchta posed a constant threat on the counter-attack, stretching the Bilbao defense and forcing them to make crucial decisions.
A Tight First Half: The first half ended in a goalless draw, with both teams canceling each other out. Athletic Bilbao’s dominance in possession was countered by Slavia Praha’s disciplined defensive display.
A Pivotal Second Half: The second half saw a more open game, with both teams creating numerous chances. Athletic Bilbao continued to dominate possession, but Slavia Praha’s counter-attacks remained a significant threat.
A Late Goal Decides the Match: In the 85th minute, a moment of brilliance from Iker Muniain sealed the victory for Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish winger’s solo run and clinical finish secured a 1-0 win for the Basque side.
Impact on the Europa League
The victory against Slavia Praha was crucial for Athletic Bilbao’s progress in the Europa League. It not only boosted their confidence but also solidified their position in the group stage. The win also highlighted the strength and depth of the Basque side’s squad, as they were able to overcome a resilient Slavia Praha side.
Player Performances
Athletic Bilbao
Iker Muniain: The Spanish winger was the standout performer for Athletic Bilbao, scoring the decisive goal and creating numerous chances throughout the match.
Oihan Sancet: The young midfielder impressed with his creativity and vision, playing a key role in Athletic Bilbao’s attacking build-up.
Íñigo Martínez: The experienced defender was solid at the back, making crucial interceptions and clearances to thwart Slavia Praha’s counter-attacks.
Slavia Praha
Ondřej Kúdela: The Czech defender put in a strong performance, leading the Slavia Praha defense and making several crucial tackles.
Ibrahim Traoré: The Malian midfielder was a constant threat in midfield, winning the ball back and initiating counter-attacks.
Ivan Schranz: The Slovak forward caused problems for the Athletic Bilbao defense with his pace and direct running.
FAQs
Who started for Athletic Bilbao in their match against Slavia Prague?
Athletic Bilbao fielded a strong lineup for their match against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League. In goal, they had the reliable Agirrezabala. The defensive line consisted of Vivian, Paredes, Berenguer, and I. Williams. In midfield, Ruiz De Galarreta and Prados held the fort, while Berchiche and C. De Marcos provided width on the flanks. Upfront, Guruzeta and I. Williams led the attack, hoping to exploit any defensive weaknesses in the Slavia Prague backline.
What was the formation used by Athletic Bilbao against Slavia Prague?
Athletic Bilbao predominantly employed a 4-4-2 formation against Slavia Prague. This tactical setup provided a solid defensive structure while also offering attacking options through the wings and the two strikers. The full-backs, Berchiche and De Marcos, were encouraged to overlap and provide crosses into the box, while the midfield duo of Ruiz De Galarreta and Prados focused on maintaining possession and supporting the attack as well as the defense.
Did Athletic Bilbao make any substitutions during the match against Slavia Prague?
Yes, Athletic Bilbao did make a few substitutions during the match against Slavia Prague. As the game progressed, manager Ernesto Valverde introduced fresh legs to maintain the team’s intensity and potentially change the course of the match. Some of the substitutes included Padilla, Gorosabel, Yeray Álvarez, Vesga, Sancet, Álvaro Djaló, Unai Núñez, Iñigo Lekue, Gomez, Herrera, Serrano, and Jaureguizar. These substitutions were made to either strengthen specific areas of the team or to introduce different tactical approaches.
How did Slavia Prague lineup against Athletic Bilbao?
Slavia Prague countered Athletic Bilbao’s strong lineup with their own formidable squad. In goal, they had Mandous. The defensive line consisted of Prebsl, Kolísek, Wallem, and Chaloupek. In midfield, Naskos and Pech controlled the tempo, while Lingr and Chorý provided creativity and attacking flair. Upfront, Jurásek led the line, aiming to score goals and cause problems for the Athletic Bilbao defense.
In summary:
The clash between Athletic Bilbao and Slavia Praha was a thrilling encounter that showcased the beauty and unpredictability of European football. Athletic Bilbao’s victory was a testament to their quality and ability to perform under pressure. The match also highlighted the importance of tactical discipline and counter-attacking threats in modern football. As the Europa League progresses, both teams will be hoping to continue their strong performances and make a deep run in the competition.
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