Can he do it against PSG?

Athletic seeks its place in the top 6 of the Youth League: Can it achieve it against PSG?

The red and white youth team faces a key challenge in the group stage

He Athletic Club you are one step away from securing your > in the Youth Leaguea tournament that, unlike the Championsconcludes its group stage this week. With impressive performance of 13 points out of 15 possiblethe Bilbao youth team faces the PSG in Lezama, today at 13 hours. This match not only represents a valuable opportunity to secure their position, but also to confirm their status as one of the most promising teams in Europe.

Thus, the Athletic cubs are assured of their presence in the round of 32, but to compete at home in this phase, they will need to finish among the top six in their group. An ambitious goal that will only be achieved with a favorable result against the French.

Current situation of the group: What are the red and whites at stake?

Win or draw It will guarantee direct qualification for the round of 32, while a defeat will force the people of Bilbao to wait for the results of other matches to confirm their position.

On the previous day, the PSG accumulates 10 points and a +9 in goal difference, compared to Athletic's +10. This makes the matchup crucial not only for Athletic but also for the French side, who are looking to secure their own path to the next round.

Current classification: Antonio Llopis and his team waiting

After Tuesday's games, Athletic's group classification is as follows:

Equipment	Points	Goal difference
Chelsea	16	+16
real Madrid	15	+12
Athletic Club	13	+10
Atlético de Madrid	13	+8
FC Barcelona	13	+3
Benfica	12	+5
Witches	12	+4
Villarreal	12	+2

Athletic is currently in third position, tied on points with the Atlético de Madrid and the FC Barcelona. However, given this pressure, it is important to highlight that Athletic's goal difference, +10, can play a crucial role in the final outcome of the league.

The team and the strategy: a look at the call

Coach Bittor Llopis has called up a total of 20 players for this decisive match. The list includes goalkeepers Simón García y Pagaza; defenses like Quintero, Ilyas, Zarandona, Larrea, Carril, Unamuno and Lizeaga; midfielders like Ezpeleta, Oyharçabal, Egoitz Hernández, Beñat García and Urzaiz; and forwards Adrián Pérez, Gift, Torres, Imga, Aranburu and Manex Lozano.

The lineup and strategy that Llopis deploys will be essential to make a difference against a rival like PSG, which has a high level of competitiveness in this tournament. The coach has highlighted the importance of having a solid approach, based on the mentality and the game they carry out on the field.

Next steps: the draw and the round of 32

An interesting aspect is that the draw for the round of 32 of the Youth League will take place this Friday, and the matches will be played between the February 3 and 4. In this draw, the teams that finish in the top 6 They will act as hosts against those who finish in positions 17-22, while those who occupy 7th to 16th place will play as visitors.

With so much at stake, Athletic's challenge not only affects their ranking, but can also have a significant emotional impact on the club's young talent.

Final thoughts: more than just a match

The match between Athletic Club and PSG is not just another match in the group stage; It represents a clear indicator of the club's future in European competitions and, specifically, in the training of its young footballers. Success in this tournament can open doors for players who aspire to become professional soccer stars.
Will Athletic be able to extend its season in the Youth League?

We invite all fans to comment and share their opinions about their team's future in this tournament. Emotion and expectation are in the air, and every vote counts in the community of Athletic fans.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is the Youth League? It is the most important youth club competition in Europe, where the best U-19 teams on the continent participate.
How is Athletic's classification in the Youth League determined? The classification is based on the points obtained in the matches, as well as the goal difference.
When are the round of 32 played? The matches will be played between February 3 and 4, 2024.
What would happen if Athletic lost to PSG? You will have to wait for other results to confirm your classification to the next phase.
How many teams advance from the group stage? The best 6 teams advance to the round of 32, where they will compete in a single-match format.
What statement is there from Bittor Llopis about the match? Llopis emphasized the importance of the competitive mentality and tactical approach to face PSG.
How are the draws carried out in the Youth League? The draws are made separating the teams according to their classification and the positions they occupied in the previous phase.
Who are the potential rivals in the round of 32? Teams that finish between 17th and 22nd in their group, and the national league champions.
Who are the key players that can make a difference? Everyone called up can have an impact, but players like Adrian Perez and Ezpeleta could be decisive.
How does this tournament affect the careers of young players? A good performance can catapult these youngsters' careers into the first team or attract the attention of bigger clubs.