Match Details
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 20:00 CEST (Spain) | 19:00 BST (UK) | 14:00 PM ET (USA)
- Venue: San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao
- Broadcast: La Liga TV, Spanish regional channels, global streaming platforms
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla have a strong rivalry in La Liga. Over their last 12 meetings, Sevilla have emerged victorious 5 times, Bilbao 4 times, and the rest ended in draws. Matches between them often produce tight scorelines, with Bilbao defending strongly at San Mamés.
Season Preview
Athletic Bilbao enter the season under manager Marcelino, aiming for stability and a strong home start. The squad blends local Basque talent with smart loan additions to reinforce midfield depth.
Sevilla, managed by Monchi’s sporting vision, look to bounce back from a challenging previous season. Key summer reinforcements include a creative midfielder and attacking reinvigoration—making this a real season opener test.
Key Players to Watch
- Athletic Bilbao – Iker Muniain: Club captain and midfield orchestrator with set-piece expertise.
- Athletic Bilbao – Álex Berenguer: Dynamic winger capable of unlocking defenses on the break.
- Sevilla – Papu Gómez: Veteran playmaker expected to dictate tempo and unlock Bilbao’s press.
- Sevilla – Youssef En-Nesyri: Physical striker with aerial presence, key to Sevilla’s attack.
Tactical Preview & Score Prediction
Athletic Bilbao will use a structured pressing system and focus on wide counterattacks. Sevilla are likely to control possession and attempt to break lines through Gómez’s creativity and wing support. Expect tactical midfield battles and disciplined containment from Bilbao.
Predicted Score: Athletic Bilbao 1–2 Sevilla
Final Thoughts
This La Liga opener promises a clash of contrasting styles: Bilbao’s defensive resilience versus Sevilla’s creative ambitions. With high stakes and packed tactics, San Mamés will set the tone for both clubs in the new season.