Pre-season friendlies usually suck. Honestly, they’re often just a bunch of guys in overpriced kits jogging around half-speed while managers check their watches and hope nobody blows an ACL. But when you see Liverpool x Ath. Bilbao on the schedule, it feels different. It’s not a "glamour" match in the way a game against Real Madrid or PSG is, yet there’s this strange, mutual respect between the two clubs that makes the atmosphere at Anfield or San Mamés feel like a proper European night.
Think back to the August 2021 meeting. It was a weird time. Football was just getting its soul back after the empty-stadium era. Over 40,000 people showed up at Anfield. You had Diogo Jota clinical as ever, but then you had Bilbao doing what they do—refusing to be a pushover. They’ve got this "Basque-only" policy that sounds like a gimmick to outsiders but is actually the most hardcore commitment to local identity in world football. That grit carries over into how they play against the big boys.
The Connection Between Merseyside and the Basque Country
Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao aren't just two random teams that play each other for TV money. There is a deep, almost spiritual crossover. Both are fiercely proud "rebel" cities. Liverpool has its "Scouse not English" sentiment, and Bilbao is the beating heart of Basque nationalism. When these fans meet, they actually get along, which is a rarity in modern football where everything is a Twitter argument.
You've probably noticed the "One Club Man" award Athletic Bilbao gives out. They’ve honored Liverpool legends like Jamie Carragher and Ian Rush. It’s not just PR. It’s because they recognize that "one-club" mentality as the highest form of sporting honor. When Liverpool x Ath. Bilbao happens, you’re seeing two of the last bastions of traditional, community-focused football.
Tactical Clashes and the Iñaki Williams Factor
Playing Bilbao is a nightmare for a high-line defense. Seriously. Iñaki Williams is basically a cheat code in transition. In their 2021 friendly, he was a constant thorn. If Liverpool’s center-backs aren't switched on, he’s gone.
Bilbao doesn't play like a typical Spanish side. They don't just "tiki-taka" you to death. They’re physical. They’re direct. Under managers like Ernesto Valverde, they’ve maintained a style that actually mimics the intensity Liverpool fans expect from their own team.
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- Pressing triggers: Both teams use high-intensity triggers to win the ball back.
- Wing play: Liverpool relies on the overlapping threat of Robertson or Bradley, while Bilbao uses the Williams brothers to stretch the pitch vertically.
- The Midfield Scrap: This is where the game is usually won or lost. Bilbao players like Mikel Vesga don't care if it's a friendly; they're going in for the tackle.
The 1-1 draw in 2021 was a perfect example. Jota scored early, and it looked like a routine win. But Bilbao didn't fold. Alex Berenguer grabbed an equalizer because the Basque side treats every minute at Anfield like a cup final. That’s the thing—you can't "half-ass" a game against them. If you do, they’ll embarrass you in front of your own Kop.
Why This Matchup Keeps Happening
It’s about the "vibe." Clubs choose friendly opponents based on logistics, sure, but also on the quality of the test. Liverpool x Ath. Bilbao provides a specific type of test: the physical, high-pressing challenge that prepares a squad for the Premier League’s pace.
Plus, the historical ties are massive. Remember the 1983-84 European Cup? Liverpool had to get past Athletic Bilbao in the second round. It was a brutal 0-0 at Anfield, followed by a narrow 1-0 win in Spain thanks to an Ian Rush goal. That victory paved the road to Rome where Liverpool eventually lifted the trophy. Bilbao fans still talk about that night at San Mamés. It was the "Old" San Mamés then, a place so intimidating it was nicknamed The Cathedral.
The Scouting Angle: Who to Watch
When these two meet, scouts are usually out in force. Athletic Bilbao is a goldmine of talent that rarely leaves because of their unique structure, but everyone watches.
- Nico Williams: If he’s on the pitch, he’s the fastest person in the stadium. Period. Every big club in Europe has him on a shortlist.
- Oihan Sancet: A giant of a playmaker. He’s got that rare ability to keep the ball in tight spaces while being physically imposing.
- Liverpool’s Youth: Friendlies are usually where we see the "next big thing." Whether it's a kid like Stefan Bajcetic or a new academy graduate, the Bilbao game is the ultimate litmus test. If you can handle the Basque press, you can handle the Premier League.
People forget that these games aren't just about the scoreline. They’re about rhythm. For Liverpool, facing a team that defends as a compact unit like Bilbao is perfect practice for breaking down the "low blocks" they face every week in England.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Game
Most fans think a friendly is just a fitness exercise. It’s not. Not this one. For Athletic Bilbao, a result at Anfield is a massive point of pride. For Liverpool, it’s a tactical rehearsal.
There's also this myth that Spanish teams are "soft." Anyone who says that hasn't watched Bilbao. They are one of the most aerial-dominant teams in La Liga. They win headers. They clatter into challenges. If a Liverpool winger thinks they’re going to have an easy afternoon against Yuri Berchiche, they’re in for a shock.
The logistical side of it is actually kinda interesting too. Usually, these games are scheduled as part of a "double-header" weekend. Liverpool often plays two friendlies in two days to get the whole squad 90 minutes of fitness. Bilbao is almost always the "main" event because they provide the highest level of competition.
Actionable Takeaways for the Next Matchup
If you're planning on watching or betting on the next Liverpool x Ath. Bilbao encounter, keep these specific factors in mind to get a better read on the game.
Watch the first 15 minutes for the "Intensity Gauge." If Liverpool is playing a high-energy press, the game will be open and high-scoring. If they’re sitting back to practice a mid-block, expect a low-scoring grind.
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Keep an eye on the substitutions. In friendlies, the game usually "breaks" around the 60th minute when ten players change at once. The first half is for tactics; the second half is for chaos.
Don't ignore the set-pieces. Bilbao is famously good at defending them, and Liverpool (with van Dijk and Konate) is famously good at attacking them. It’s one of the few areas where you see 100% effort even in an exhibition match.
Check the location. If it's at Anfield, Liverpool is the heavy favorite due to the pitch size and the crowd. If it's at the "new" San Mamés, the atmosphere is arguably even louder. That stadium is a literal pressure cooker.
Ultimately, this fixture is a reminder of what football used to be before it became all about "brand activations" in the US or Middle East. It’s two historic clubs with massive identities testing themselves against the best. It’s loud, it’s physical, and it’s usually way more entertaining than any pre-season game has a right to be.
To get the most out of the next clash, track the individual battles between the full-backs and the wingers. That’s where the tactical meat of this game always lives. Pay attention to how the Liverpool midfield handles the transition when they lose the ball, as Bilbao is one of the best in Europe at punishing a disorganized counter-press. This isn't just a game; it's a high-speed chess match played by people who genuinely dislike losing.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official Liverpool FC and Athletic Club websites roughly 6-8 weeks before the season starts for confirmed friendly dates.
- Review the previous season's "distance covered" stats for both teams; this matchup is usually decided by which side has better late-summer conditioning.
- Watch highlights of the 1983-84 European Cup clash to understand the historical weight that still lingers when these two jerseys share a pitch.