Athletic Bilbao's reserve team, Bilbao Athletic, has confirmed its starting lineup for the Primera Federación match against Real Avilés Industrial this Sunday at Lezama. Manager Bittor Llopis has named forward Selton and goalkeeper Mikel Santos in the first eleven, as reported by the outlet Bilbaohiria.com.
Who starts for the B team?
Goalkeeper Santos, wearing number 13, will be the last line of defence. The back four consists of Unai Belategi (18), Ander Larrea (15), Iker Monreal (5), and Frenchman Ilyas Chaira (28). In midfield, Julen Sola (23) and Beñat García (21) provide the engine. The attack is led by three players: Unai Conde (11), who scored a penalty last week, Portuguese forward Selton (16), and Julen Huestamendia (7). Striker Jon Peciña (17) completes the front line. Both Monreal and Selton have recently trained with Edin Terzić's first team, highlighting the club's faith in its academy products.
Who is on the substitutes' bench?
Llopis has ten players available on the bench. The backup goalkeeper is Iker Simón (1). Defenders David Pérez (2), Ander Sarasketa (3), and Julen Izagirre (4) offer alternatives. In midfield, Ander Lete (6) and Turkish player Efe Korkut (14) await their chance. The attacking options are Ekain Oyono (19), Unai Vizcay (20), Christian Imga (22), and Telmo Zarandona (27). The inclusion of Imga, a 17-year-old winger who is still eligible for the youth team, is the standout note from the squad list. The full club roster is available on our squad page.
What happened in last season's fixtures?
Real Avilés Industrial proved to be a tough opponent for Bilbao Athletic in the previous campaign. The Asturian side, now coached by Yago Iglesias, did the double. They won 3-2 at their Román Suárez Puerta stadium and then secured a 0-2 victory at Lezama. Those results left the reserve team with zero points from both meetings, a precedent Llopis's side will want to overturn this Sunday. The current group standings can be checked on the standings page.
What is the context for this match?
This game is for the second matchday of Group 1 in Primera Federación. Bilbao Athletic started their season with a 1-1 draw against Zamora CF at the Ruta de la Plata ground. The B team's goal came from the penalty spot, scored by Unai Conde. Now, the team plays its first home match of the season at Lezama's pitch number 2, a venue with a capacity of 3,250 spectators. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:15. The full schedule of the club's fixtures, including those of the first team, is published on the official website and can also be followed in our fixtures section.
Bilbao Athletic's next official challenge is on Sunday, September 17th, with an away trip to face Racing de Ferrol.
