It’s time to hit the table, by Iñaki Ugalde

This afternoon’s match at Villamarín is of vital importance for Athletic’s interests. The lions have before them the opportunity to hit the table in the close struggle to enter Europe. Betis, at least from the start, is a direct rival via the League.

GWinning today would mean staying just three points away from fifth in the table, drawing would mean staying the same and losing… Marcelino’s men have to show from the very kick-off that their continental bet is serious. Seriously.

UNo respect, yes, to the rival. Pellegrini’s team is one of the best players in this League, although for some time now it seems to have run out of steam. Normal in the case of the only club that can boast of still being alive in three competitions.

RI respect, therefore, but being aware of what is at stake. Athletic comes in addition to suffering two consecutive defeats away from Bilbao conceding a total of seven goals against. Let’s hope that the loss of Iñigo Martínez does not take its toll.

RRemembering what happened in San Mamés in the first round is not too much either. Betis went over the lions in many phases of the match, but ended up losing. A whole lesson to keep in mind.

EEurope appears on the red-and-white horizon. Very far still, but it appears. Both Marcelino and his lions must be fully aware of what is at stake today.