The Matchday 8 encounter in the 2024/25 Europa League between Athletic (Spain) and Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) will be held on January 30 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. Athletic vs. Viktoria Plzen: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Athletic
The Basque side secured their place in the Europa League playoffs two matches before the end of the group stage. Having achieved their primary goal, the team relaxed, resulting in a heavy 1-4 away defeat to Besiktas in the last round. Nevertheless, they sit third with 16 points (5 wins and 1 draw), three points ahead of their closest rival outside the top eight. Thus, to guarantee progression to the Europa League Round of 16, the Spaniards only need to avoid defeat in the final round.
Midfielder Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta will miss the match due to injury.
- Exactly two or three goals have been scored in 6 of Athletic's last 8 games in this tournament.
- The number "1" has appeared in the final scoreline in 8 of the club's last 11 Europa League matches.
- Athletic's uncompromising home run in this European competition stands at 16 matches (12 wins and 4 losses).
Viktoria Plzen
The Czech side played at home in the last round, securing an important 2-0 victory over Anderlecht. This win guaranteed them a spot in the knockout stage. If the club triumphs in the upcoming match, they could finish in the top eight. It's also worth noting that Miroslav Koubek's team has suffered only one defeat in the group stage, at home to Manchester United (1-2).
Forward Rafiu Durosinmi is still regaining fitness after an injury.
- The number "2" has appeared in the final scoreline in Viktoria's last five Europa League matches.
- The club has not lost in 10 of their last 11 matches in this tournament (7 wins and 3 draws).
- At least two goals have been scored in 8 of Viktoria's last 11 away games in this European competition.
Predicted lineups for Athletic vs. Viktoria Plzen
Athletic (4-2-3-1): Julen Agirrezabala – Oscar De Marcos, Yuri Berchiche, Aitor Paredes, Unai Nunez – Mikel Haurregui, Benat Prados – Alex Berenguer, Unai Gomez, Nico Williams – Gorka Guruzeta.
Viktoria Plzen (3-4-2-1): Martin Jedlicka – Vaclav Jemelka, Svetozar Markovic, Sampson Dweh – Milan Havel, Lukas Cerv, Lukas Kalvach, Cadu Cruz – Pavel Sulc, Matej Vydra – Prince Kwabena Adu.
For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is listed.
Referee: Matej Jug (Slovenia)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.9;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 50%.
Athletic vs. Viktoria Plzen: Match Prediction
Both clubs have achieved their minimum objectives in the Europa League by advancing to the next round. The Czechs have slightly more motivation in the final round, as they still have a chance to finish in the top eight, while the Spaniards can progress to the Round of 16 even if they lose this match. Nonetheless, I am confident the hosts will not play for a draw, which would suffice for them, as a victory would add points to the club's tally and bring additional financial rewards. Moreover, playing for a result could ultimately lead to a defeat.
The Czechs have been weak on the road in this tournament. In their last 18 away Europa League matches, they have only claimed two victories (6 draws and 10 losses). They managed to defeat modest opponents like Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Hearts. Meanwhile, Athletic is a formidable opponent at their stadium, not only in European competitions. In the Europa League, the Basques have suffered only 4 defeats in their last 22 home matches (16 wins and 2 draws). Therefore, I favor the Spaniards, who should be able to defeat the Czechs even if they rotate their squad.
My prediction: Victory for Athletic
