The Matchday 8 clash in the 2024/25 Europa League group stage between Athletic Bilbao (Spain) and Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) will take place on January 30 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. Athletic Bilbao vs. Viktoria Plzen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Athletic Bilbao
The Basques secured their place in the Europa League playoffs two matches before the end of the group stage. Having achieved their primary goal, the team relaxed, which led to a heavy away defeat to Besiktas (1-4) in the last round. Nevertheless, the team is in third place with 16 points (5 wins and 1 draw), leading their closest rival outside the top-8 by three points. Thus, to ensure their place in the Europa League Round of 16, the Spaniards only need to avoid defeat in the final round.
Midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta will miss the match due to injury. Forward Nico Serrano's participation is questionable (gastroenteritis).
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 6 of Athletic's last 8 games in this tournament.
- The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline in 8 of the club's last 11 Europa League matches.
- Athletic's uncompromising home streak in this European competition stands at 16 matches (12 wins and 4 losses).
Viktoria Plzen
The Czechs played at home in the last round, where they secured an important victory over Anderlecht (2-0), guaranteeing their place in the playoff matches. If the club wins the upcoming game, they can aim for a top-8 finish. It's also worth noting that Miroslav Koubek's team suffered only one defeat in the group stage – at home to Manchester United (1-2).
Forward Rafiu Durošinmi has not yet regained fitness after injury, and midfielders Sheikh Souaré and Christophe Kabongo will also miss the match.
- The number "2" appeared in the final scoreline in five of Viktoria's last Europa League matches.
- The club has not lost in 10 of their last 11 matches in this tournament (7 wins and 3 draws).
- At least two goals were scored in 8 of the Czechs' last 11 away games in this European competition.
Predicted lineups for Athletic Bilbao vs. Viktoria Plzen
Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Julen Agirrezabala – Oscar De Marcos, Yuri Berchiche, Aitor Paredes, Unai Nunez – Mikel Jauregi, Benat Prados – Alex Berenguer, Unai Gomez, Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta.
Viktoria Plzen (3-4-2-1): Martin Jedlička – Václav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Samson Dweh – Milan Havel, Lukáš Cerv, Lukáš Kalvach, Cadu Cruz – Pavel Šulc, Matej Vydra – Prince Kwabena Adu.
Each team's starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is listed.
Referee: Matej Jug (Slovenia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 50%.
Athletic Bilbao vs. Viktoria Plzen: Match Prediction
Both clubs have achieved their minimum goal in the Europa League by reaching the next round. The Czechs have a bit more motivation for the final round as they still have a chance to finish in the top-8, while the Spaniards can progress to the Round of 16 even if they lose this match. Nevertheless, I am confident that the hosts will not play for a draw, which would suffice for them, as a win would add points to the club's tally and bring additional financial rewards. Moreover, playing for a result can sometimes lead to defeat.
The Czechs have been weak away from home in this tournament. In their previous 18 away games in the Europa League, they have won only twice (6 draws and 10 losses), managing to beat modest opponents like Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hearts. In contrast, Athletic is dangerous for any opponent at their stadium, not only in European competitions. In the Europa League, the Basques have suffered only 4 defeats in their last 22 home matches (16 wins and 2 draws). Therefore, I favor the Spaniards, who, even with squad rotation, should be able to defeat the Czechs.
My prediction – Athletic Bilbao to win
