The team from the sixth category of Spanish football, AE Prat de Llobregat, is preparing for its first match against Athletic Club in the 2026-27 Cup. The match will be held on Thursday, October 29 at the Municipal de L'Hospitalet starting at nine at night, after the elimination of Sant Rafel de Ibiza in the previous round (1-5 in the first leg and 5-0 in the second leg). The Federation has prohibited Prat from playing in its own stadium, the Municipal Sagnier, due to lack of capacity, which has forced the club to move to a venue with state-of-the-art artificial grass.
Cristian Gómez, a former Espanyol player who now coaches Prat, has stated that the main objective is not to “betray” his players. In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Gómez explained that his approach is to maintain the team's playing philosophy and that he does not want his players to feel unmotivated or lose confidence in themselves. “I have told my players that I am not going to betray them, that we are not going to hang from the crossbar and that we will do whatever is necessary to win,” said the coach, underlining the importance of courage and concentration in the game.
El Prat has shown an offensive and high-pressing style, seeking to maintain possession and generate opportunities from defense. Gómez recognizes that Athletic, under the direction of Xabi Alonso, is a team with a huge fan base and a high-quality squad, and that the club takes the Cup very seriously. The coach also noted that Athletic has a more vertical and quick approach in transitions, something he likes to observe, although he has not had the opportunity to see the team as a whole.
Regarding the environment of the match, Prat regrets not being able to play in its own stadium, but considers that the Municipal de L'Hospitalet offers a favorable environment and a grass that allows for fluid play. The team has trained on the new field and believes that the artificial surface will not represent a great advantage for Athletic, who are also used to playing on this type of terrain. Gómez concluded that, despite the differences in category, his team is prepared to face the Bilbao club with the same intensity and discipline that it has shown in the league matches.
Next Thursday will be the day when Prat de Llobregat will try to advance in the Copa del Rey, facing one of the most prestigious teams in Spanish football. The club's management has made it clear that the priority is physical and tactical preparation, and that the objective is to go as far as possible in the tournament, without losing the identity and essence of the team.