The iconic San Mamés Barria in Bilbao sets the stage for a compelling La Liga encounter this Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as Athletic Bilbao host Girona. This match isn’t just another fixture; it’s a clash steeped in contrasting narratives and high stakes for both sides. Athletic Club, traditionally a bastion of Spanish football, finds itself in an unusual slump after a promising start to the season. Meanwhile, Girona, a team that has defied expectations in recent campaigns, is enduring a torrid spell and is desperate to kickstart their 2025/2026 league journey. Can the ‘Cathedral’ roar its Lions back to winning ways, or will a beleaguered Girona find a moment of redemption in Basque Country? With European aspirations potentially on the line for Athletic and a battle against the drop looming for Girona, every tackle, pass, and shot will carry immense weight.
Head-to-Head
In their relatively short history of competitive meetings, Athletic Bilbao and Girona have produced some intriguing contests. Across 10 total matches, Athletic Bilbao holds a slight edge with 5 wins, compared to Girona’s 4, with just 1 draw shared between them. These encounters have often been high-scoring affairs, with six of the ten matches featuring three or more goals, averaging 2.90 goals per game.
Recent Results (Last 5 Meetings):
- 2025-02-08: Athletic Bilbao 3 – 0 Girona (La Liga)
- 2024-10-06: Girona 2 – 1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)
- 2024-02-19: Athletic Bilbao 3 – 2 Girona (La Liga)
- 2023-11-27: Girona 1 – 1 Athletic Bilbao (La Liga)
- 2023-02-26: Athletic Bilbao 2 – 3 Girona (La Liga)
Notably, the last season saw both teams triumph in their respective home fixtures, with Athletic securing a commanding 3-0 victory at San Mamés. However, Girona has proven capable of causing upsets, as evidenced by their 2-1 win earlier in the 2024/2025 season. A significant statistic for Girona is their vulnerability at San Mamés, having conceded three goals in each of their last two visits.
Current Form & Team News
Athletic Bilbao
The Lions of Bilbao have experienced a downturn in fortunes recently. After a strong start to the 2025/2026 campaign, they have stumbled, coming into this match on the back of three consecutive defeats across all competitions. Their most recent league outing saw them fall 2-0 to Valencia, marking their third straight match without finding the back of the net. Athletic’s form in their last five outings reads: L-L-L-W-W. They will be desperate to rediscover the form that saw them win their opening three matches of the season.
Team News: Manager Ernesto Valverde faces several selection headaches. Defender Daniel Vivian is suspended after receiving a red card in the Valencia match. Furthermore, at least five other players are reportedly sidelined due to injury or suspension. This depleted squad will test Athletic’s depth, though players like Aitor Paredes, who has found the net once this season, will be looked upon for inspiration.
Girona
Girona’s start to the season has been even more concerning. They arrive in Bilbao without a single victory in La Liga, having collected just one point from a possible fifteen. Their last match was a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Levante, a result that underscores their current struggles. Their last five matches paint a grim picture: L-L-L-L-D.
Team News: Girona’s woes are compounded by a severe injury and suspension crisis, with an alarming seven players unavailable for this crucial fixture. Key midfielders Vitor Reis and Axel Witsel both received red cards in the loss to Levante, ruling them out for this match. The absence of so many first-team regulars will severely impact Michel’s tactical options. Despite the difficult period, veteran striker Cristhian Stuani, with three goals in his last 10 league games, remains a potential threat, alongside attacking talents like Vladyslav Vanat, Joel Roca, and Cristian Portu.
Tactical Preview
Under Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao is expected to deploy a high-intensity, pressing game, likely in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation. Their strength lies in their robust midfield and direct wing play, aiming to leverage the atmosphere of San Mamés. However, their recent struggles in front of goal highlight a current attacking inefficiency that Girona will aim to exploit.
Girona, typically known for their possession-based, attacking football under Michel, might have to adapt their approach given the extensive list of absentees. A more conservative 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 might be employed, focusing on quick transitions and hoping to catch Athletic on the break. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Girona’s depleted engine room facing Athletic’s tenacious players. Girona’s defensive frailties, evident in conceding three or more goals in three of their last five matches, will be a significant concern.
The match will be played at San Mamés Barria. Late September in Bilbao usually brings mild weather, though a chance of rain could make for a slick pitch, potentially favoring faster counter-attacks. Travel fatigue shouldn’t be a major factor for either domestic side.
