The visit of Fenerbahce begins a long away odyssey for Bilbao

Madrid (Spain), December 10 (SocialNews.XYZ) There is no place like home, but Athletic Club Bilbao travels to Istanbul on Wednesday to play Fenerbahce in the Europa League, knowing full well that they may be out for a month and a half will not play in his San Mames stadium for a long time. Last season’s Copa del Rey winners will play in the Europa League in Istanbul after a 2-0 home win against Villarreal. This consolidated their lead in fourth place in La Liga, but is now just six points behind the top of the table.

The Basque team has won all five games since returning from the last international break, beat Real Madrid 2-1 a week ago and is tied for second in the Europa League qualifying group with Lazio after four wins and a draw in the competition.

A win against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce would just secure Athletic a place in the top eight, although coach Ernesto Valverde will once again make some changes to his squad to keep his squad as fresh as possible in a crowded season, Xinhua reports.

Spain international Unai Simon will return in goal as he continues to recover from wrist surgery, while Adama Boiro, Yeray Alvarez and Andoni Gorosabal join a defense that has remained solid despite Valverde’s rotations.

Mikel Jauregizar will start in midfield alongside the impressive Oihan Sancet and either Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta or Mikel Vesga, while Spanish striker Nico Williams will return to attack after starting Sunday’s game on the bench.

Nico will be supported by his brother Inaki and Alvaro Djalo or Gorka Guruzeta as Athletic will look to continue their impressive run.

The visit to Turkey is the first of potentially nine away games that Athletic will have to play, with back-to-back La Liga derbies away to Alaves and Osasuna until the end of 2024. They will then reinforce their Copa del Rey defense with a short trip to the Opening the fourth game, second division side Logrones will then fly to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they will face Barcelona in the semi-finals before a possible final against Real Madrid or Mallorca.

Back in Spain, they face a possible away tie in the Copa del Rey round of 16, before visiting Celta Vigo in La Liga, before traveling to Istanbul again in the Europa League – this time against Besiktas.

Athletic will not return to the San Mames Stadium until January 26th with a league game at home against Leganes.

Source: IANS

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