Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Espanyol
Match Time & Date:
16/02/2025
14:00
Prediction: 0-1
Athletic Bilbao
Espanyol and Athletic Club will open Sunday’s program in La Liga round 24 as they go head to head at RCDE Stadium. Los Periquitos suffered a 2-1 loss to Real Sociedad at the weekend, but their display against the Basque outfit was anything but poor. Anyhow, the fact that Espanyol defeated Real Madrid in their last home game is giving fans a reason for optimism. Defender Carlos Romero is back from suspension, while both Brian Olivan and Jose Gragera remain on the sidelines with injuries.
The Lions, on the other hand, produced a brilliant display in a 3-0 win over Girona. Even though Espanyol are tough to beat in Catalonia, away win should be considered as Athletic Bilbao are more of a team than Manolo Gonzalez’s troops. In their last meeting at RCDE Stadium, Athletic Club defeated Espanyol 2-1. Ernesto Valverde is unlikely to make changes to the team that defeated Girona on Matchday 23.
Highlighted Player (Iñaki Williams):
Inaki Williams is one of the most talented Spanish players. The pacey winger, who plays as a centre-forward as well, started his senior career at Basconia, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances for the club. In 2014 he moved to Athletic Bilbao, but he played for the reserve team at the beginning.
Inaki impressed in the 2014/2015 season with Athletic Bilbao B and, as a result, he was given a chance to prove his worth in the Spanish top flight with the first team. The Spanish footballer made his La liga debut on December 6, 2014, replacing injured attacker Aritz Aduriz in a 1-0 loss to Cordoba.
Inaki Williams represented Spain at the 2017 U21 European Championship in Poland and he played 20 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Germany in the final of the tournament. Speaking of the senior squad, the Athletic Bilbao footballer made his Spain debut in a 3-1 victory over Bosnia on May 29, 2016. Inaki Williams was born in Bilbao on June 15, 1994.
Highlighted Team (Espanyol):
Espanyol are a Catalan club that plays in Spanish La Liga. Espanyol were founded in 1900 and their original name was Sociedad Espanola de Football. In 1901 the Catalan club changed its name to Club Espanol de Futbol. Los Periquitos used to play in bright yellow shirts in the past, but current colour of the team’s home kit is blue and white.
Espanyol’s fiercest rivals are Barcelona and the two teams face each other in the Catalan derby (Derbi barceloni). Espanyol have always been in Barca’s shadow, but it has to be noted that los Periquitos have won four Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup trophies).
The likes of Raul Tamudo, Jose Maria, Antonio Argiles and Mauricio Pochettino are players with most appearances for the Catalan outfit. Espanyol play their home games at Estadio Cornella-El Prat and the capacity of the stadium is 40,500. Los Periquitos have never participated in the Champions League.
AS Roma 
Frankfurt
Ajax
Chelsea 
FC Copenhagen 
Guimaraes 
Betis 
Manchester United 
Real Sociedad 
Rangers 
Fenerbahce
