Athletic Bilbao returns to action in League F with a match that, although it seems like a positional advantage, poses greater risks than the table indicates. The match on matchday 6 will be held in Lezama at 4:30 p.m., and the second phase of the day will be played at the Mestalla with Valencia. The lionesses, who have remained in fourth position after the break, face a Valencia team that occupies the last place and has failed to score points in the first five rounds.
Coach Víctor Martín has warned that the classification is not enough to evaluate the challenge. "If we look at how they have played, they have had games in which they could have scored without problems. They have several strengths that we must counteract," he explained at a press conference. The coach highlighted that Valencia has scored in four of its six games and that its results have been “quite close.” According to Martín, "we cannot be fooled by the position; the team deserves much more and the line we are taking is good. Athletic has been stable both in the proposal and in the way of competing."
As for the squad, the only notable absence is that of Bibi, the center back who scored the two goals during the visit to Madrid CFF. The player suffers a moderate muscle injury to the femoral biceps. In turn, the team has the presence of Pinedo, Nanclares and Astralaga, who return after their journey with the Spanish team. The coach admits that the task of putting together the eleven is complicated: "I have a lot of problems deciding the lineup, which is a good sign because everyone deserves it. I feel unfair to many players because they all deserve to participate because of their training and the effort they bring to the team. Choosing the eleven is not easy, but it is a problem that we must solve."
With the F League matchday underway, Athletic seeks to maintain its position and avoid surprises. Valencia, although bottom, has proven to be a rival with the ability to score and with close results, which requires the red and white to be alert. The next phase of the day, at the Mestalla, is presented as an additional challenge for the team that wants to consolidate its position in the table and continue advancing in the competition.