Athletic Club winning Europa League would be crowning moment for unique club

Athletic Club want to make this season’s Europa League final more than any other final in their 126-year history. That’s because this season’s Europa League final will be held at San Mames, the home of the Basque Country club. Many Athletic supporters believe it is their club’s destiny to not only play in that game, but to win it.

They have good reason to believe Ernesto Valverde’s team will make it past Manchester United to face Bodo/Glimt or Tottenham Hotspur in the final. Athletic Club have been formidable in this season’s Europa League, particularly at home where they have won all six matches they have played in front of their own fans.

Only Lazio finished ahead of Athletic in the League Phase, and that was only on goal difference. Far from being crushed by the weight of expectation in the Europa League this season, the Basques have been emboldened by it. They have confidence that continental glory is coming their way.

It’s worth recapping just how special Athletic Club are. In modern football, they are an anomaly. While almost every other club at the elite level spends all that they can in the transfer market, Athletic don’t. They have a different model that involves only using players from the Basque region – the ‘cantera’ policy, as it’s known. 

In spite of such a limited talent pool, Athletic Club are one of only three Spanish clubs never to have been relegated from La Liga, the other two being Barcelona and Real Madrid. What’s more, Valverde’s team are on course to finish in this season’s top four and qualify for next season’s Champions League without needing to win the Europa League.

Oihan Sancet has been exceptional as Athletic’s number 10, registering 17 goals in all competitions. The 25-year-old is currently sidelined through injury and will miss the first leg against Manchester United and is a doubt for the second leg. Nonetheless, Sancet has flourished as one of the very best in his position.

Nico Williams shone brightly last summer as Spain won Euro 2024. While the winger hasn’t enjoyed the best season at club level, he has scored in each of his last two starts for Athletic Club. Williams’ goal against Rangers made sure of his team’s place in the Europa League semi-finals where he could also have a profound impact.

Iñaki Williams will pose a threat on the opposite wing to his brother. Manchester United’s back three system will give Athletic Club space to attack in quick transition. This could be one of the keys of the semi-final with the Basque side set to host the first leg before the return meeting at Old Trafford next week.

Manchester United could hardly be any different as a club. They have spent over $1 billion on transfers over the last 10 years without any meaningful success. The Old Trafford outfit have earned a reputation for wastefulness in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson age while Athletic Club make the most of everything they have.

“The team are looking good, we’re in good shape,” said Valverde ahead of Athletic Club’s clash against the Premier League giants. “This is what we wanted and we’re confident. We’re playing in Europe for a second year in a row, something that fills us with pride. Our goal now is to hold on to fourth place [in La Liga] and try to reach the Europa League final.”

Athletic Club saw off Manchester United in a classic Europa League tie back in 2012 when Iker Muniain and co. got the better of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team. A lot has changed since then for United, but Athletic have stayed true to the same principles that have guided them for over a century – and may well guide them to Europa League glory at home.