Athletic Bilbao and Slavia Praha have established a competitive rivalry on the European stage, particularly during their meetings in the UEFA Europa League. Below is a detailed look at the lineups, match details, and statistics surrounding one of their recent encounters in the 2024/25 season.
The 2024 UEFA Europa League Match
On October 24, 2024, Athletic Bilbao hosted Slavia Praha at the iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain. This encounter was part of the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. The match ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Athletic Bilbao, thanks to a goal by Nico Williams in the 33rd minute, assisted by Alex Berenguer.
Despite a relatively uneventful second half in terms of goals, with both teams unable to convert their chances, the match demonstrated Athletic’s dominance in possession and efficient defense.
Key Lineups for Athletic Bilbao
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Unai Simón, one of the key figures for Athletic Bilbao, guarded the goalposts for the match. Known for his agility and shot-stopping ability, Simón played a vital role in ensuring his team’s clean sheet.
Defenders:
Oscar De Marcos: Veteran right-back, a critical player in both defensive and attacking phases.
Dani Vivian: The central defender was instrumental in nullifying Slavia’s offensive attempts.
Iñigo Martínez: A seasoned defender known for his leadership and ability to read the game.
Midfielders:
Oihan Sancet: A key playmaker who is known for his creative flair and passing precision.
Ander Herrera: The experienced midfielder provided both defensive stability and offensive support.
Benat Prados: His technical skills in midfield helped control the tempo of the match.
Forwards:
Nico Williams: Scored the only goal of the match, with a powerful performance down the wing.
Álex Berenguer: Played a crucial role in the build-up to Williams’ goal with his assist and overall creativity.
Key Lineups for Slavia Praha
Goalkeeper: Ales Mandous
The experienced Mandous started for Slavia Praha but was unable to prevent the solitary goal from Williams.
Defenders:
Jan Bořil: The left-back’s defensive qualities were crucial in trying to prevent Bilbao’s counter-attacks.
Ondřej Kúdela: A key central defender who faced numerous challenges from Bilbao’s attacking players.
David Zima: His physicality and positioning were vital for Slavia as they defended against a relentless Bilbao offense.
Midfielders:
Tomáš Holeš: Known for his high work rate, Holeš provided defensive cover and was involved in distribution from the midfield.
Lukas Provod: The creative midfielder tried to orchestrate attacks for Slavia but struggled against Bilbao’s pressing.
Christos Zafeiris: A key midfielder, Zafeiris was often involved in both defensive duties and offensive runs.
Forwards:
Tomas Chory: Chory was one of Slavia’s key attacking outlets but was unable to find the back of the net.
Mojmir Chytil: Played alongside Chory, attempting to make runs into the box, but couldn’t break through Bilbao’s defense.
Match Statistics and Performance Insights
Possession: Athletic Bilbao dominated possession with 61%, compared to Slavia Praha’s 39%, showcasing their control of the ball throughout the match.
Shots: Bilbao had 6 shots on goal, while Slavia registered 3. Despite Slavia’s efforts, the lack of clinical finishing was a critical factor in their defeat.
Pass Accuracy: Athletic Bilbao had a pass accuracy rate of 81%, highlighting their more precise and controlled play.
FAQs
What was the lineup for Athletic Bilbao in their recent match against Slavia Praha?
Athletic Bilbao’s lineup for the 2024 UEFA Europa League clash with Slavia Praha saw several key players starting.
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón started as the goalkeeper, known for his excellent shot-stopping and commanding presence in the box.
Defenders:
Oscar De Marcos: The experienced right-back played a crucial role in both defense and attack.
Dani Vivian and Iñigo Martínez formed the central defensive partnership, with Martínez providing leadership.
Midfielders:
Oihan Sancet and Ander Herrera played central roles in controlling the midfield, with Herrera’s experience balancing the youthful energy of Sancet.
Benat Prados also featured, contributing defensively and supporting the attack.
Forwards:
Nico Williams was a key player, scoring the match’s only goal and providing pace on the right wing.
Álex Berenguer supported Williams, contributing with an assist for the goal
How did Slavia Praha line up against Athletic Bilbao?
Slavia Praha’s lineup was slightly more defensive but focused on creating opportunities through quick counters.
Goalkeeper: Ales Mandous kept goal, a reliable figure for the Czech side, although he couldn’t prevent Bilbao’s goal.
Defenders:
Jan Bořil and Ondřej Kúdela played pivotal roles in defense, tasked with neutralizing Bilbao’s attacking threats.
David Zima, a solid central defender, added physicality and aerial strength.
Midfielders:
Tomáš Holeš was a workhorse in midfield, breaking up play and distributing passes.
Lukas Provod and Christos Zafeiris also featured, with Zafeiris trying to push forward in attack.
Forwards:
Tomas Chory and Mojmir Chytil were tasked with leading Slavia’s offensive charge, though they were kept quiet by Bilbao’s defense
What was the result of the match between Athletic Bilbao and Slavia Praha?
The match ended 1-0 in favor of Athletic Bilbao. The only goal came from Nico Williams in the 33rd minute, assisted by Álex Berenguer. Despite Slavia Praha’s efforts to equalize, Bilbao’s defense, led by players like Iñigo Martínez, remained solid throughout the game
What were the key tactical strategies of both teams?
Athletic Bilbao: The Spanish side employed a high-pressing game, dominating possession with 61%. Their 4-3-3 formation allowed them to control the ball and pressure Slavia into mistakes. Bilbao’s fullbacks, Oscar De Marcos and Álex Berenguer, frequently pushed forward, adding width to their attacks.
Slavia Praha: Slavia took a more cautious approach, with a 4-4-2 formation focusing on counter-attacks. While they had fewer chances, they relied on quick transitions, hoping to exploit any gaps in Bilbao’s defense.
Who were the standout players in this match?
Nico Williams was undoubtedly the standout player for Athletic Bilbao, scoring the match-winning goal and contributing significantly to the attack.
Álex Berenguer provided the assist for Williams’ goal and also contributed defensively.
For Slavia Praha, Ondřej Kúdela was one of their key defenders, doing his best to disrupt Bilbao’s offensive flow, while Tomáš Holeš was pivotal in trying to orchestrate play from midfield.
How does the Athletic Bilbao vs Slavia Praha lineup compare to other UEFA Europa League matchups?
The lineups for both teams in this match reflected their styles and strengths. Compared to other Europa League matchups, both sides focused on tactical discipline. Athletic Bilbao’s possession-based style contrasts with Slavia Praha’s more counter-attacking, direct approach. This game highlighted the contrast between La Liga’s technical prowess and the Czech club’s resilience.
How does the result impact both teams’ progress in the UEFA Europa League?
Athletic Bilbao’s victory was crucial for their aspirations in the group stages of the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League. The 1-0 win against Slavia Praha boosted their chances of progressing further in the tournament, demonstrating their tactical superiority and depth.
On the other hand, Slavia Praha will need to regroup and look for better results in upcoming matches to keep their hopes alive in the competition.
In Summary
The UEFA Europa League match between Athletic Bilbao and Slavia Praha in 2024 was a tactical battle between two teams with contrasting styles. Bilbao’s 1-0 victory was hard-fought, with Nico Williams’ first-half goal proving to be the difference. The match showcased Bilbao’s possession-based dominance, while Slavia Praha struggled to break down the Spaniards’ defense.
The lineups from both teams reflected their approaches: Athletic Bilbao fielded a dynamic and attacking side, while Slavia Praha opted for a more conservative, counter-attacking setup. Standout performances from Williams and Berenguer were key in securing the three points for the Basques.
As both teams continue their European journeys, this encounter adds another chapter to the evolving narrative of these clubs in continental competitions. For fans, analyzing the lineups and performances in these fixtures is crucial to understanding the tactical nuances of top-tier European football.
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