The UEFA Champions League clash between Athletic Club and Qarabağ FK is set to take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at San Mamés Barria in Bilbao. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 BST (18:45 CET). The atmosphere in Bilbao is expected to be electric as Athletic aim to capitalize on home advantage and reignite their European campaign. The match comes at a decisive stage of the group phase, where every point could determine qualification to the next round. For Qarabağ, this is another opportunity to extend their positive run and maintain their momentum in continental competition.
Athletic enter the game with several absences in key areas. Midfielders Beñat Prados and Unai Egiluz remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Aymeric Laporte is a doubt due to an ankle issue. These setbacks could force Ernesto Valverde to make defensive adjustments, with Dani Vivian likely to anchor the backline. On the other side, Qarabağ are expected to have a fully fit squad, with no major injuries reported ahead of the trip to Spain. Midfielder Marko Janković, who was previously a doubt, has reportedly recovered and should be available for selection. Both managers will rely on their benches for impact late in the game, especially in the attacking phases.
Tactically, Ernesto Valverde is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 setup focusing on high pressing and wide play. Nico and Iñaki Williams will likely operate from the flanks, offering pace and width, while Oihan Sancet could occupy the central attacking role behind the striker. Valverde’s emphasis will be on controlling possession and stretching the Qarabağ defense with overlaps from the full-backs. Qarabağ coach Gurban Gurbanov will likely respond with a disciplined 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing defensive organization and quick counterattacks. With creative players like Abdellah Zoubir and Leandro Andrade, the Azerbaijani side will look to exploit spaces left behind by Athletic’s attacking full-backs.
The Spanish and international press have underscored the pressure on Athletic Club to deliver a result at home. After a disappointing start in the group, this fixture is seen as a must-win for the Basque side. Media outlets point out that Qarabağ’s recent consistency makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly against sides struggling for confidence. Some journalists predict that Athletic’s superior individual talent could eventually make the difference, while others caution that any lapse in defense could be costly. The consensus remains that the San Mamés crowd will play a major role in lifting the team through what could be a tense evening.
Pre-match analysts in various football studios have been dissecting the tactical nuances of the encounter. They highlight the importance of Nico Williams’ speed on the flanks and how Athletic’s full-backs must balance their attacking intent with defensive awareness. The analysts also emphasize that Qarabağ’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack could unsettle Athletic if the hosts overcommit forward. With both sides chasing crucial points, the consensus among pundits is that this will be a tightly contested match — one where small details, set pieces, and defensive discipline could ultimately decide the outcome.
Watch and Download Athletic Bilbao vs Qarabağ full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The match played at Estadio de San Mamés, in Champions League, UEFA.
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