Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla Prediction 17.08.2025
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Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla Prediction
Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla Prediction and Betting Tips for Sunday’s La Liga opener at San Mames. Bilbao are fresh off a fourth-place finish last season, while Sevilla barely clung to survival. Can Ernesto Valverde’s side turn the page on a worrying pre-season? Find out with our LaLiga Predictions from the experts at XpertStats.
- Athletic Bilbao open their La Liga campaign at San Mames against Sevilla on Sunday evening.
- The Lions finished fourth last season and return to the Champions League after a decade away.
- Sevilla barely escaped relegation in 2024-25, ending just one point above the drop zone.
- Both sides had contrasting pre-seasons: Bilbao struggled, Sevilla looked steadier.
Athletic return to the big stage this year with Champions League football on the horizon, their first appearance since 2014-15. Valverde’s squad, shaped by the club’s unique Basque-only policy, made limited moves in the market. The arrivals of Jesus Areso and Robert Navarro were important, but keeping Nico Williams was the real victory. That said, pre-season form has been rough: six defeats in seven matches, including a heavy 3-0 loss to Arsenal. Will San Mames’ roar drown out those doubts?
Sevilla, on the other hand, had their worst league finish in 25 years last season, ending 17th. Relegation was only avoided by a single point. A disaster? Almost. Now, with Matias Almeyda in charge, the mood is slightly more upbeat. His side lost just once in seven summer friendlies, showing sharper energy compared to the sluggish displays of recent months. Still, friendlies are one thing. La Liga pressure is another.
Transfer-wise, Sevilla’s moves have been cautious. Alfon Gonzalez and Gabriel Suazo came in on frees, while Newcastle’s Odysseas Vlachodimos arrived on loan. Suazo could debut this weekend, while the team leans heavily on Dodi Lukebakio, who scored 11 goals last term. That’s a decent return, but can he lead a struggling attack to safety again? Hard to say, especially with so many injury doubts clouding Almeyda’s opening lineup.
It feels like a clash of different energies: Bilbao chasing Europe with one eye on the Champions League, Sevilla still licking their wounds and trying to avoid another relegation scrap. On paper, the Lions look stronger, but form, fatigue, and uncertainty make this opener trickier than it seems. Even so, LaLiga Predictions lean toward Bilbao using San Mames’ fortress-like atmosphere to edge their way to three points.
Athletic Bilbao may have stumbled through pre-season, but competitive matches tell a different story. San Mames has long been a fortress, and last season the Lions lost just three league games at home. With Nico Williams staying put despite Barcelona’s interest, Bilbao’s attack retains its edge. Inaki Williams alongside his younger brother provides pace, flair, and finishing, a nightmare for any shaky defense. Sevilla, meanwhile, barely avoided relegation last term, finishing just a single point above the drop. The arrival of Almeyda gives them fresh energy, but with several players doubtful through injury, stability remains an issue. Dodi Lukebakio is dangerous, yes, but one man can’t carry the weight of an inconsistent side. Opening night at San Mames, with Champions League football ahead, gives Athletic all the motivation they need. Backing Bilbao for the win feels justified, especially given the gulf between last season’s finishes.
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