Athletic Club vs Alaves

Athletic Club welcome Alaves to San Mamés in Bilbao for matchday seven of the 2026-27 La Liga season on September 19. Both Basque clubs will look to assert dominance in this regional clash as the domestic campaign begins to take shape.

Athletic Club Form Guide

The hosts arrive in confident mood following a resounding statement victory before the international break. Ernesto Valverde's side systematically dismantled Atlético Madrid 3-0 in Bilbao, a match that saw Nico Williams open his account for the season. That dominant performance effectively erased the frustration of their late-August trip to Camp Nou, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Barcelona following goals from Raphinha and Fermín López. Returning to their home ground, Athletic will be desperate to replicate the attacking fluidity that overwhelmed Diego Simeone’s men.

Team News: Iñaki Williams' International Retirement

A significant storyline emerging from the Athletic camp surrounds veteran forward Iñaki Williams. The striker confirmed his retirement from international duty with Ghana in mid-September, signalling a complete dedication to his club career. Freed from the physical toll of mid-season intercontinental travel, the older Williams brother can now focus his energies entirely on La Liga, providing a major long-term boost for the Bilbao outfit ahead of this intense regional fixture.

Alaves Form and Giant-Killing Pedigree

Alaves make the short trip to Bilbao knowing they possess the tactical discipline to frustrate heavily favoured opposition. While they face a stern test at San Mamés, the visitors have proven they can spring a surprise against top-tier Spanish competition. They notably shocked eventual title winners Barcelona with a 1-0 victory late last season at the Estadio de Mendizorroza, courtesy of an Ibrahim Diabate strike. That blueprint for upsetting elite possession-based sides will be essential if they are to extract a positive result from this Basque derby.

With the La Liga table slowly taking form, navigating this local fixture successfully will be vital for both clubs' seasonal ambitions. The victors will secure invaluable momentum and regional bragging rights before turning their attention to the upcoming round eight fixtures.