In a key 2025-26 La Liga encounter with European implications, Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol takes place on Monday, December 22, 2025, as the Lions host the Pericos at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.
Athletic Bilbao, positioned 8th with 23 points from 17 games (7 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses), seeks to rebound from a 2-0 loss to Celta Vigo and build on their Copa del Rey progress. Still, Ernesto Valverde’s side contends with defensive absences like Dani Vivian and Aymeric Laporte (injuries).
Espanyol, surging to 5th with 30 points (9 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses), aim for a fifth straight league win after triumphs over lower-table sides, but Manolo Gonzalez’s team faces rotation challenges post-Copa.
With Athletic unbeaten in their last 10 H2H against Espanyol and the Catalans thriving away (11 points from 7 road games), this Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol fixture promises tactical depth and potential upset in the top-half battle.
Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Athletic welcome an in-form Espanyol to San Mamés in a clash where home advantage and defensive solidity could prove decisive.
The hosts are dealing with several defensive absences and suspensions, while Espanyol arrives brimming with confidence after a strong run of results — setting the stage for what seems like a close, low-scoring affair.
Match Info
| Match | Athletic Club (Bilbao) vs RCD Espanyol |
|---|---|
| Competition | LaLiga 2025–26 — Matchweek 17 |
| Date | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM CET (2:00 PM ET) |
| Venue | San Mamés — Bilbao, Spain |
| La Liga form: | Athletic Bilbao: W L W L W L Espanyol: L L W W W W |
Team News
Athletic Club (key availability)
- Defensive issues: Aymeric Laporte is out injured; Daniel Vivian is suspended; Yuri Berchiche is also unavailable (suspension/injury reports). Several other defensive/young players are missing or doubtful.
Espanyol (key availability)
- Ramon Terrats is out with a hamstring injury. Charles Pickel is away on international duty and unavailable for the trip to Bilbao. Espanyol otherwise travel with most of the squad available after a positive recent run.
Probable / Possible Starting XIs
- Athletic Club (likely 4-2-3-1): Unai Simón; Jesús Areso, Iñigo Lekue, Aitor Paredes, Íñigo (or Bóiro); Iñigo Ruíz de Galarreta, Mikel Jauregizar; Alex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, Nico Williams; Gorka Guruzeta.
- RCD Espanyol (likely 4-4-2 / 4-2-3-1): Marko Dmitrović; Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero; Jofre Carreras, Edu Expósito, Pol Lozano, Pere Milla; Roberto Fernández, (Pere Milla/Roberto partnership depending on coach).
Key Players to Watch
- Athletic — Nico Williams: pace and directness on the wing; he’s often Athletic’s most dangerous outlet in transition.
- Athletic — Oihan Sancet / Gorka Guruzeta: central threat from late runs and finishing inside the box.
- Espanyol — Roberto Fernández: Espanyol’s reliable finisher this season and a regular source of goals.
- Espanyol — Edu Expósito / Jofre Carreras: creators who provide the midfield control and forward passes that unlock defenses
Head-to-Head Record
Athletic has 16 wins from the last 30 matches against Espanyol’s 10, with 9 draws.
Bilbao won 5 of their last 10 encounters and remains unbeaten in the last 10 overall against Espanyol. The average total is 2.5 goals, with unders occurring 60% of the time.
Prediction & Quick Analysis
Athletic’s injuries/suspensions at the back are the big story — San Mamés usually gives them an edge, but Espanyol’s confidence and form make them dangerous on the break.
Athletic will likely look to dominate possession and work quick combinations down the wings, while Espanyol will stay compact and try to strike through counterattacks and set pieces.
Match Prediction
Athletic Bilbao’s home form and Sancet’s flair edge Espanyol’s streak in a La Liga thriller, clinching victory via possession and set-piece prowess. Pericos threaten counters but yield.
Where to Watch Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol
- Spain / Europe: Check LaLiga broadcast partners and club channels.
- U.S.: ESPN / ESPN+ often carries LaLiga games — verify local listings.
- Streaming (regional): DAZN (selected regions) and FanCode list this fixture on their platforms — always confirm protocols in your territory