La Liga | Matchday 17 | Monday, December 22, 2025
Athletic Club host RCD Espanyol at San Mamés on Monday night in a fixture that defies historical expectations. Espanyol sit fifth on 30 points and chase a fifth consecutive league victory, while Athletic occupy seventh with 23 points and must arrest a stuttering run that has seen them fall behind the season’s surprise package.
Table Context
The table positions tell an unlikely story. Espanyol’s plus-4 goal difference (20 scored, 16 conceded) has them just four points off the Champions League places. Athletic’s minus-2 (19 scored, 21 conceded) reflects their struggle to convert draws into victories.
This marks the most competitive meeting between these clubs in years, with Espanyol arriving as favorites by current form despite traditionally struggling at the Cathedral.
Head-to-Head History
Athletic have dominated this fixture historically. At San Mamés over the last six meetings, the record reads four home wins, one draw, and one Espanyol victory. Overall across the last 10 encounters, Athletic lead 4-4-2 with three wins by two or more goals, including a 4-1 demolition last season.
Athletic have lost just one of their last 10 meetings with Espanyol across all venues.
Athletic Club Form
Athletic’s last six league matches overall produced W2-D1-L3, averaging 1.17 goals scored and 1.33 conceded per game. A 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo highlighted ongoing inconsistencies, though a 1-0 Copa del Rey victory over Ourense midweek provided some relief.
Their last three home matches show W1-D1-L1 with 1.33 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. San Mamés has not been the fortress of previous seasons, with a Champions League draw against PSG among recent mixed results. Athletic have conceded the first goal in three of their last five league games.
Espanyol Form
Espanyol arrive in scintillating form. Their last six overall reads an exceptional W5-D0-L1, averaging 1.67 goals scored and just 0.50 conceded per game. Four consecutive league victories over Sevilla, Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano, and Getafe have transformed their season.
Away form shows W2-D0-L1 in the last three with 1.33 goals scored and 1.00 conceded per game. The defense has tightened significantly, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four matches.
Tactical Outlook
Neither side dominates possession. Athletic average 48% while Espanyol operate efficiently at 42% with clinical counter-attacks. Athletic generate 13.5 shots per game compared to Espanyol’s 9.8, but the visitors make their chances count.
The tactical hinge centers on late-game execution. Espanyol have scored crucial winners through substitutes during their winning run, while “Under 2.5 Goals” has landed in eight of Athletic’s last 10 matches.
Team News
Athletic face significant absences. Yeray Álvarez serves a suspension while Beñat Prados (ACL) and Unai Egiluz (knee) remain sidelined. Crucially, Nico Williams (adductor) and Oihan Sancet (thigh) are doubts. If Williams misses out, Álex Berenguer will start on the flank. Aymeric Laporte anchors the defense following his return to the club.
Espanyol suffer a massive blow without top scorer Javi Puado (knee), who has netted 12 goals this campaign. Edu Expósito is also unavailable while Leandro Cabrera faces a fitness test. Pere Milla or Jofre Carreras must provide the attacking threat in Puado’s absence.
Athletic will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1. Espanyol are expected to set up in a compact 4-4-2 or 5-4-1.
Athletic Club (Probable XI): Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Laporte, Yuri; Galarreta, Jauregizar; I. Williams, Sancet, Berenguer; Guruzeta.
Espanyol (Probable XI): García; El Hilali, Calero, Kumbulla, Romero; Tejero, Král, Lozano, Jofre; Veliz, Pere Milla.
Numbers to Watch
- 5: Espanyol’s potential consecutive league wins with victory
- 12: Goals scored by absent Espanyol striker Javi Puado
- 3 of 4: Espanyol clean sheets in recent matches
Where to Watch
Kickoff: 9:00 PM CET / 8:00 PM UTC / 3:00 AM +07 (Tuesday)
Spain: Gol Play, DAZN | International: ESPN+ (US), Premier Sports (UK)
