Athletic Club Faces Las Palmas in Critical LaLiga Match

BILBAO, Spain — Athletic Club is set to clash with Las Palmas at San Mamés at 7 p.m. CEST on April 23, 2025, in a pivotal LaLiga match. Both teams come into this game with different motivations: Athletic seeks to secure a Champions League spot, while Las Palmas aims to maintain their distance from the relegation zone.

Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledges the importance of the match, stating, “Tomorrow is a crucial game. We want to certify our presence in Europe for next year as soon as possible.” After a loss against Real Madrid, Valverde emphasized the need to regain momentum in the league, where they are currently in fourth place.

Meanwhile, Las Palmas is riding high after their recent victories against Getafe and Atlético Madrid. Coach Diego Martínez expressed admiration for Athletic, saying, “We are going to one of the most special stadiums to play football. The Athletic presses heavily and plays at a great rhythm, but we must hold onto our confidence and maintain our composure throughout the game.”

As the teams prepare, Las Palmas will be without several key players, including Cillessen and Fabio Silva due to injuries. Athletic, on the other hand, has a fully available squad, which Valverde sees as a significant advantage going into the encounter.

The two teams have contrasting recent forms. Athletic has won only two of their last five matches, while Las Palmas has managed two victories in their last two outings. Athletic has also been warned about the disciplinary situation, as several players risk missing their next match against Real Sociedad should they receive yellow cards in this game.

The players for both teams have been announced. Athletic will start with Unai Simón in goal, supported by De Marcos, Vivian, Yeray, and Yuri in defense. In midfield, Galarreta and Jauregizar will back up Iñaki Williams, Sancet, Berenguer, and Maroan in the attack. Las Palmas will have Dinko Horkas as their goalkeeper, with Viti, Álex Suárez, McKenna, and Mármol in defense, and Marvin, Bajcetic, Essugo, Moleiro, Sandro, and McBurnie leading their offensive effort.

The stakes are high for both teams, with Athletic wanting to solidify their footing in the top four of LaLiga and Las Palmas striving to secure safety as the season approaches its conclusion. Football fans are eagerly awaiting this exciting showdown at San Mamés.