The 2022-2023 season has been a rollercoaster for Athletic Bilbao, as they have endured a series of dramatic upsets and setbacks to secure their spot in the Europa League. With just two games left in the campaign, it was no surprise that they were facing a tough challenge against the Ligue 1 champions, Lyon.
On September 28th, Athletic Bilbao defeated FC Rennes in a thrilling 4-3 victory at the Parc des Princes stadium, securing a spot in the Europa League group stage. However, they soon found themselves facing a formidable challenge from Lyon, who had already qualified for the Europa League by finishing second in their domestic league.
In a highly competitive match, Athletic Bilbao fought hard but ultimately lost 3-2. The defeat marked their first loss in the Europa League since the beginning of the campaign and highlighted how tough the competition can be. It was a disappointing result, but also a testament to the resilience of the team.
Despite the setback, Athletic Bilbao is now looking forward to the next phase of the season, which includes a trip to Paris for a crucial UEFA Europa League game against PSG on October 1st. The victory would not only help them stay alive in the Europa League but also give them a chance to clinch a place in the Champions League group stage.
For Lyon, this defeat was a significant blow as they will need to bounce back quickly if they want to make the Europa League final. However, with Athletic Bilbao still fighting for their spot in the Europa League, they remain confident that they can rise to the occasion and continue their strong form in Europe.
Overall, the Europa League run-up for Athletic Bilbao has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with drama and challenges. But with a renewed focus on the upcoming matches and a strong squad, they are well-positioned to make a statement in Europe and potentially qualify for the Champions League.