Athletic Bilbao: Basque-ing in Glory

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October 2014

Ath. Bilbao 4 – 2 Anzhi

Ath. Bilbao 2 – 1 Malaga

Sevilla 1 – 4 Ath. Bilbao

Fenerbahce 0 – 2 Ath. Bilbao

Real Sociedad 0 – 0 Ath. Bilbao

Cartagena 0 – 2 Ath. Bilbao

Europa League Group G Table

La Liga Table

Our Player of the Month

Aritz Aduriz

Aritz Aduriz was back to his prolific self this month and continues to prove himself as a threat for the opposing defence. His composure in front of goal and killer touch helped us greatly this month.

Oceano’s Verdict

In my opinion, it’s clear to see we are a much better side than we was last season. If we continue as we are, qualifying for the Champions’ League should be no problem. I was very happy with the results collected this month, especially the two Europa League games. Embroiled in the fixtures was a 4-1 win away to Sevilla of which I was delighted with. We got a tough month coming up with a clash v Real Madrid but if we play as we have been, I’m sure we can get a decent result.

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November 2014

Ath. Bilbao 1 – 0 R. Valladolid

Ath. Bilbao 1 – 0 Fenerbahce

Ath. Bilbao 4 – 1 Granada

Ath. Bilbao 0 – 4 R. Madrid

Osasuna 1 - 2 Ath. Bilbao

Ath. Bilbao 4 – 0 Cartagena

Levante 0 – 2 Ath. Bilbao

Europa League Group G Table

La Liga Table

Our Player of the Month

Aritz Aduriz

Aritz Aduriz once again was the prime don this month, scoring for fun at times. Here’s hoping the veteran can continue this form throughout the season.

Oceano’s Verdict

I was absolutely gutted with that Real Madrid defeat but if we try to ignore that game for a second, it was a good month! We progressed in the cup, maintained our unbeaten run in the cup and continued in third in the league. Real Madrid, we shall be avenged!!!

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December 2014

Ath. Bilbao 1 – 1 Dnipro

Sabadell 0 – 2 Ath. Bilbao

Las Palmas 0 – 0 Ath. Bilbao

Anzhi 3 – 1 Ath. Bilbao

Numancia 2 – 2 Ath. Bilbao

Ath. Bilbao 3 – 0 Sabadell

Europa League Group G Table

La Liga Table

Our Player of the Month

Aritz Aduriz

Aduriz is the man of the moment and it was a combination of him and Muniain that carried us this month. The two have a very good partnership with Aduriz finishing well. He’s really a cold blooded finisher.

Oceano’s Verdict

I’m not entirely sure what happen to us this month. Maybe the 4-0 defeat versus Real Madrid hit us hard or our players were dreaming of what’s under the Christmas tree. Anyway, we remain in a solid position and hopefully we can kick on next month.

BILBAO ROCKED BY INJURY

Athletic Bilbao’s challenge for UEFA Champions’ League qualification has been dealt a great blow following the injury of Iker Muniain.

‘Los Leones’ star man sustained a torn hamstring which scans later revealed will him rule him out for at least 3 months.

Muniain, who is expected to be fully fit by April, will miss key games versus Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Real Sociedad as he adds to Oceano Cruz’s injury headache.

Bilbao is already without Antoine Griezmann and Markel Susaeta which worries Oceano.

“We’ve been without Griezmann and Susaeta for a long time and now we must cope with Muniain’s injury. I cannot deny it will be very tough for us.

“Firstly, Ibai Gomez is our only fully fit attacking midfielder, which isn’t an ideal number to have seeing as Griezmann and Susaeta won’t be 100% for a few more weeks.

“Secondly and finally, Muniain is one of Europe’s best attacking midfielders, so any team in the world would find it difficult to play without somebody of that calibre.”

Muniain has appeared 22 times this season, scoring a healthy number of 15 goals for Bilbao.

SUSAETA SUFFERS SETBACK

Athletic Bilbao winger Markel Susaeta is set to be side-lined for a prolonged period of time following the injury of Iker Muniain.

Susaeta had been set for a return but further medical examinations demonstrated he’d actually aggravated his torn hamstring and will now be out for a further four months.

The Spaniard’s injury adds to Bilbao’s woes who only have Ibai Gomez fully fit to play as a winger after Muniain was also ruled out for three months.

Susaeta, who will require surgery to recover, has demonstrated his sadness at the setback in a time he felt Bilbao desperately needed him.

“It’s super frustrating to be injured at a time like this, especially now Muniain is injured. Both I and the club were counting on my fitness but it turns out I’ve managed to come off even worse.

“I could feel it, I was so close to full fitness and desperate to be back playing, then when you hear you’re back to square one, it’s a horrible feeling, more so mentally than physically even.

“I’m going to miss so much football this season unfortunately but for now I can only focus on recovering as soon as possible and I hope I can still be of use towards the final games of the season. I trust my teammates can perform without me.”

The 27 year old has only featured seven times this season, scoring three and assisting two.

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