Goodbye to European Regularity or a Historic Sprint in San Mamés?

Valverde: Goodbye to European Regularity or a Historic Sprint in San Mamés?

Athletic Bilbao faces its worst start to the league with Ernesto Valverde in charge, but the hope of Europe still beats.

Bilbao is experiencing a crucial moment in the 2026 season. Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Club's 'master regularity', faces an unprecedented challenge. Despite having qualified the red and whites for Europe in eight of his nine full seasons at the helm, divided into three stages, the current campaign presents alarming figures. 2022-23, his first year in the current cycle, was the only exception to the European norm, but now, the numbers for this 2025-26 season reveal “Txingurri's” worst record as the lions' coach.

With only 35 points on matchday 28, Athletic is in a delicate position. This record is lower than the 38 points obtained in the 2004-05 season, a year in which, curiously, they were also in tenth position at the same point in the competition. That campaign, the Zurigorri squad finished in a discreet ninth place, achieving a passport for the extinct Intertoto Cup, a European adventure that barely lasted a breath in Bilbao.

The path to European salvation seems complicated, but not impossible. To reverse the situation and aspire to a continental spot, Athletic must add a minimum of 15 points in the remaining ten rounds. With this goal, the team would reach 50 points, a figure that could open the doors to eighth position. However, the final classification will depend on various factors, including the performance of direct rivals such as Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad, the result of the Cup final and the influential UEFA ranking.

Historically, Athletic under the direction of Valverde has shown a remarkable ability to react in the last ten days of the League. In seven of its nine campaigns at San Mamés, the team has managed to score at least 15 points in this final stretch. The record stands at the 19 points obtained in the 2016-17 season, which helped him secure seventh place before his farewell in his second stage. They are closely followed by the 18 points achieved in the 2013-14 and 2024-25 seasons, both qualifying for the Champions League, and also in 2015-16. The lowest figures in this final sprint were recorded in 2004-05 (13 points) and, more worryingly, in 2022-23 (11 points), the only season in which the team was left without a ticket to Europe.

The red and white fans are closely watching the outcome of this season. Can Valverde emulate his past exploits and guide Athletic to a new European feat, or are we facing the end of an era of continental solidity? Time and the points in the box will say the last word.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times has Valverde qualified Athletic for Europe?

Ernesto Valverde has classified Athletic Club for European competitions in eight of its nine full seasons in front of the bench.

What is Athletic's points record on matchday 28 of this season?

On matchday 28 of this season, Athletic accumulates 35 points.

What position did Athletic occupy in the 2004-05 season at this point?

In the 2004-05 season, Athletic was in tenth position with 38 points on matchday 28.

How many points does Athletic need to reach 50 points?

Athletic needs to add a minimum of 15 points in the remaining ten days to reach 50 points.

What was the maximum number of points obtained by Athletic in the last ten games with Valverde?

The maximum number of points obtained in the last ten days was 19 points in the 2016-17 season.

In what season did Athletic fail to qualify for Europe under Valverde?

Athletic failed to qualify for Europe with Valverde in the season 2022-23.

What other factors influence Athletic's possible European classification?

European qualification will also depend on the performance of rivals such as Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad, the result of the Cup final and the UEFA ranking.

How many full seasons has Valverde coached Athletic in total?

Valverde has coached Athletic for a total of nine full seasonsdivided into three stages.

What does “Txingurri” mean?

“Txingurri” is the nickname by which Ernesto Valverde is popularly known in the Basque Country.

Would you like to know more about the world of sports and betting? Join our community on Telegram! https://t.me/casino_gurus