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2024/25 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 16
Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal CF
San Mames
Bilbao, Spain
Sunday, 8 December 2024
Kick-off is at 17h15
Athletic Bilbao will be targeting a third win in a row in
La Liga when they host Villarreal CF at the San Mames on 8 December.
Current Form
The Lions emerged as 2-1 winners over Rayo Vallecano away on 1 December and they are enjoying a six-match unbeaten run in the Spanish top-flight.
Bilbao are also undefeated in their last five home matches in the league having registered two draws and three victories at the San Mames.
Meanwhile, Villarreal were held to a 2-2 draw by Girona FC at home on 1 December and they are undefeated in their last five matches in La Liga.
The Yellow Submarine are also unbeaten in their last two away matches in the competition having registered one victory and one draw as the visitors.
Team News
Bilbao are yet to report injuries in their camp and the Lions have no suspension issues coming into the encounter.
On the other hand, Ilias Akhomach, Ayoze Pérez, Nicolas Pépé, Juan Foyth, Ramon Terrats, Eric Bailly and Alfonso Pedraza are all on Villarreal's injury list, but there are no suspension concerns.
Quotes
“We didn't score the third goal. I think we considered that the game was over at 2-0 and from then on we lacked continuity in our play," Villarreal manager Marcelino García Toral said after his side's draw with Girona.
"We didn't have much luck either. The goal that made it 2-1 comes from a rebound that we should have avoided. Then we missed the chance to make it 3-1 with a clear opportunity and they equalized in stoppage time.... We played against a direct rival, who will be fighting for the same objectives at the end of the season.
"We need to be more convincing at the back if we are to end the season near the top of the table. In any case, I'm satisfied with the players' effort. The team generally looks good and wants to win at all times. Girona were simply more successful with their chances.”
Head-to-Head
Bilbao and Villarreal drew 1-1 in their last meeting in La Liga with the match taking place at San Mames on 14 April.
As a result, the Lions are undefeated in their last two league matches against the Yellow Submarine having registered one win and one draw.
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La Liga matchday 16 fixtures
Friday, 6 December
22:00 - Celta Vigo v Real Mallorca
Saturday, 7 December
15:00 - Las Palmas v Real Valladolid
17:15 - Real Betis v FC Barcelona
19:30 - Valencia CF v Rayo Vallecano
22:00 - Girona FC v Real Madrid
Sunday, 8 December
15:00 - CD Leganes v Real Sociedad
17:15 - Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal CF
19:30 - CA Osasuna v Deportivo Alaves
22:00 - Atletico Madrid v Sevilla FC
Monday, 9 December
22:00 - Getafe CF v RCD Espanyol