Lions Face Brutal January Slog That Could Define Their Season
Athletic Bilbao's challenging January schedule features a derby against Osasuna, Spanish Super Cup clash with Barcelona, and crucial European fixtures that could make or break their season.
Athletic Club’s festive break ends abruptly as they prepare to face a January schedule that would give even the hardiest supporters the collywobbles.
The Basque side will return to training on Monday after a Christmas hiatus that followed a disappointing end to 2025, with the team sitting an uncharacteristic five points adrift of the Europa League spots.
New Year’s Gauntlet
The Lions kick off 2026 with a tricky derby trip to El Sadar to face Osasuna. While Athletic have emerged victorious from their last two visits to Pamplona, they’ll face a rejuvenated Osasuna side buoyed by a strong performance in their final match of 2025.
But that’s just the appetiser for what’s to come.
Super Cup Showdown
January sees Athletic jetting off to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they’ll lock horns with Barcelona in the semi-finals. It’s a proper test of their mettle but offers the tantalising prospect of competing for the first silverware of the calendar year.
Cup Complications
Upon their return from the Middle East, cup football beckons with a Copa del Rey tie against Segunda División opposition – to be determined on January 7th. The competition has historically sparked excitement among the Bilbao faithful, but potential trips to grounds like Riazor or El Sardinero won’t be straightforward, especially with passionate home crowds creating hostile atmospheres.
European Deciders
Perhaps most crucially, January will likely determine Athletic’s European fate. Two massive Champions League fixtures loom:
- A challenging away trip to Bergamo against Atalanta
- A home clash at San Mamés against Sporting
Both matches will demand Athletic’s A-game, with maximum points likely needed to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
Season-Defining Month
It’s a January that could leave Athletic fighting on multiple fronts – or reduced to focusing solely on their league campaign. The squad must significantly improve their recent performances if they hope to navigate this treacherous period successfully.
For Ernesto Valverde’s men, it’s not just about climbing that steep January hill – it’s about ensuring they don’t tumble all the way back down it.