Athletic Club remain unbeaten in the UEFA Europa League this season and are looking to extend their run to seven games as they travel to Turkey to face Besiktas at the Tupras Stadium on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Africa Football’s editor Bill Eshun looks into the upcoming clash.
Key Facts
- New Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær is set to take charge of his first game.
- Athletic Bilbao have kept four clean sheets in the competition this season.
Athletic Bilbao have enjoyed a smooth campaign in the UEL this season, which is reflected in their position on the group stage table—second, just behind Lazio on goal difference.
With the strongest defensive setup in the competition so far, they have conceded only two goals and boast the second-best goal difference (+9). On the road, they have been equally impressive, earning seven points from a possible nine.
Besiktas, on the other hand, have struggled to find form, managing just six points from six games and suffering four defeats along the way.
Iñaki Williams Key to Bilbao’s Chances
Iñaki Williams has been pivotal for Athletic Bilbao, featuring in all six matches of the competition and scoring four goals. This season alone, he has matched the total number of goals he scored in the previous two UEL seasons combined, showcasing his remarkable improvement.
In La Liga, his creative side has also shone, with six assists to his name—second only to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Williams’ ability to contribute both goals and assists will make him a crucial figure for Bilbao on Wednesday.
The Odds
According to 1xBet, Besiktas’ chances of winning are currently priced at 3.98, while Athletic Club’s odds are set at 1.90. A draw is priced at 4.19.
Prediction
Athletic Bilbao have looked comfortable in the Europa League this season and are considered one of the favorites to go far in the competition. Given Besiktas’ struggles and Bilbao’s superior head-to-head record, the Spanish side are likely to come out on top.
Scoreline: Besiktas 1-2 Athletic Bilbao
