Bilbao Athletic face a unique tactical test this weekend as they host Deportivo La Coruña's reserve team, Fabril, at Lezama. This marks the first Primera RFEF match of the season between two reserve sides, a clash set to be a battle for possession supremacy.
Managed by Bittor Llopis, the Athletic reserve side has seven points from three games, with two wins and a draw. Their latest victory was a convincing 3-1 win over Pontevedra. Meanwhile, Manuel Pablo's Fabril arrives after facing more experienced sides like Mérida, Cacereño, and Ponferradina. The visiting coach acknowledges the challenge. "This team is different. They play very well and will demand the maximum from us," explained Manuel Pablo.
The Possession Obsession
The key to the match may lie in the approach of both managers, who prioritise a possession-based game. Manuel Pablo himself pondered whether facing another reserve team was an advantage or a disadvantage. "Better or worse for us? I couldn't say because we like having the ball," he stated. This philosophy will clash with that of Bilbao Athletic, a team built from the Lezama academy with identical principles.
The home side will feature promising youngsters like Imga, the 17-year-old Spain under-18 international already seen as a talent with projection similar to Nico Williams. The full reserve squad list is available on our squad page.
Absences and Lineups
Manuel Pablo is forced into one change to his starting eleven due to Manu Serrano's injury. In goal will be Álex Marqués, protected by a defence of Quique Teijo, Ferran Seco, Samu, and Iker Vidal. In midfield, captain Rubén López will partner with new signing Koke San José. The attack will be composed of Adrián Guerrero, Álvaro Fraga, Kevin Sánchez, and Martín Ochoa. Besides Serrano, Noé Carrillo, Manu Ferreiro, and Dani Estévez are also unavailable.
This match falls during a break for the first team, who sit eighth in La Liga with eight points from six games. Their last result was a goalless draw against Alavés. The lions' schedule resumes on October 10th with a trip to face Rayo Vallecano, a direct rival in the table. The first team's recent form of one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five outings always serves as a mirror and motivation for the players at Lezama, who aspire to follow their path.
The reserve team clash at Lezama offers a unique chance to see the future of Basque and Galician football in action, with two playing styles promised to be faithful to their respective clubs' identities. The game will be played on the main pitch of the sports city, the stage where the identity of Athletic Club is forged daily.
The report in full is at Sport.es
