Iñaki Williams, captain of the athletic club, is about to experience a historic moment by participating in the club’s first qualification for the UEFA Champions League in eleven years. The deadline, eagerly awaited, will take place in a crowded San Mamés stadium, opposite Arsenal FC, a team qualified for the competition and led by Mikel Arteta. Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde expressed his enthusiasm and determination to lead his team to victory, stressing the importance of this long-awaited dream and the willingness to make no compromise. He also mentioned the current form of the Liga team, with increasing confidence and the prospect of imminent revenge against Arsenal.

The meeting against Arsenal is seen as a major challenge, given the quality and completeness of the English team. Valverde recognizes the power of the Arsenal, especially in attack, and stresses the need for the Athletic to play at home with the passion of its supporters. He stressed the importance of controlling the field environment to limit the impact of the opposing attackers and to take advantage of the opportunities that would arise. The absence of Nico Williams, injured, is a hard blow, but the coach remains confident in the team’s ability to adapt and find alternative solutions. He highlights the support of key players like Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, who return to San Mamés with the will to contribute to the victory.

The athletic club team has overcome many obstacles to achieving this level, including financial difficulties and injuries. The qualification for the Champions League is seen as a reward for the work and determination of all. Valverde’s absence, due to a disciplinary sanction, is felt by the players as a lack, but they are motivated to return his victory. The team is ready to face Arsenal with courage and determination, conscious of the difficulty of the task but confident in its ability to surprise and achieve a positive result. The hope is that this victory will be the beginning of a new era for the athletic club, marked by European glory and recognition.