Athletic Bilbao fell 3-1 at San Mamés against Sevilla in the 2026/27 season, with Yuri Berchiche sent off in the 11th minute, leaving the hosts with ten men for over 80 minutes.
The defensive lapse that matched Sevilla's record
Athletic Bilbao matched Sevilla's negative defensive record by conceding three goals at home, a statistic previously seen only in a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid last season, highlighting a concerning trend in their defensive solidity.
Historical context of Athletic Bilbao's defensive record
In the 2025/26 season, Athletic Bilbao conceded 58 goals, the fifth worst defensive record in La Liga, a stark contrast to their 2024/25 season when they were the least scored against team in the league, indicating a significant decline in defensive performance.
Impact on the squad and upcoming fixtures
Currently sidelined: Dani Vivian, the defensive reinforcement expected to stabilize the backline, remains unavailable, adding pressure on the current squad as they prepare for upcoming fixtures ahead of a run of games you can check on our fixtures page.
What this means for the summer budget
Athletic Bilbao said: "Athletic Bilbao started the 2026/27 season with a 3-1 defeat against Sevilla at their own stadium." This result underscores the need for defensive reinforcements, potentially influencing their summer budget decisions and transfer strategy, especially with the current squad's vulnerabilities exposed.
Where he fits in the current squad
Aitor Paredes scored the only home goal for Athletic Bilbao before his error led to Sevilla's third goal, a moment that raises questions about his role in the current squad as the team seeks to rebuild defensive stability.
| Season | Goals Conceded | Defensive Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 58 | 5th worst |
| 2024/25 | 32 | 1st least scored against |
| 2023/24 | 32 | Zamora Trophy winner |
The broader implications for La Liga The defensive decline has raised doubts about the team's ability to regain its former solidity, a concern that could impact their standing in the league standings, especially as they navigate a challenging run of games you can check on our standings page.
Conclusion With Dani Vivian sidelined and the defensive unit under scrutiny, Athletic Bilbao must address these issues to improve their defensive record, a key factor in their pursuit of success in the upcoming fixtures and the broader La Liga campaign.
