Football fanatics, are you ready for a La Liga blockbuster? On September 20th, 2025, at 07:00 PM (UTC), Valencia CF will take on Athletic Club Bilbao at the historic Estadio de Mestalla. A battle of pride, form, and ambition is about to unfold. Valencia are reeling from a shocking 6-0 defeat to Barcelona and need a win, whilst Bilbao are riding high on confidence and looking to build on their early form.

Valencia is a team with a proud and historic past. Founded in 1919, Los Che is the pride of the Valencian community, and the Estadio de Mestalla has witnessed many glorious and heartbreaking moments. Even in recent times, Valencia has dealt with the heartbreak of a Champions League final defeat in both 2000 and 2001 or the elation of a UEFA Cup win in 2004. The legacy and the lore are historic; however, the present tells a different story.

The current campaign has been a wild ride of frustration for the Valencia fanbase.

The 6-0 thrashing suffered at the hands of Barcelona was a stark reminder of the defensive issues currently plaguing the team and also challenged team spirit. Hopefully, Mestalla proves to be a source of optimism. Valencia has shown short flashes of effectiveness at home with 1 win and 1 draw in 2 matches, and manager Carlos Corberán is eager to build on the stronger performances.

Valencia will look to utilise possession-based principles and have numbers in the midfield to control possession and counter quickly when Athletic Bilbao transitions.

While Valencia searches for form, Athletic Club Bilbao, playing in red and white, is riding early-season form. Under Ernesto Valverde, the Basque giants continue to demonstrate the effectiveness, resilience, and understanding of tactical organisation.

Bilbao poses a dangerous threat with strong away performances and a positive mentality, despite a surprising recent defeat to Deportivo Alavés.

Williams has had an interesting journey, from Basconia to the first team of Bilbao to Spain's U21 team, revealing everything you need to know about him: he is talented, he is persistent, and he is hungry for success; that will certainly be a factor in this game.

Recent meetings between Valencia and Bilbao tell an interesting story. First, in the last five meetings, Bilbao has clearly been the dominant team:

The last match in La Liga at Mestalla ended in a 1-0 win for Bilbao—although Valencia had 56% possession, the Bilbao team was able to capitalise on the better transitions and excellent finishing to earn both the psychological advantage and tactical confidence for the upcoming match.

Valencia will depend on:

Athletic Bilbao's approach is pragmatic:

At previous form, stats, and head-to-heads:

Prediction: Athletic Bilbao is a slight favourite to win with a 44% chance to win, likely being 2-1. Valencia may still have the potential to surprise if they can rely on the advantage of the home support and can defend well.

Expect over 2.5 goals, indicating there will likely be an exciting game to watch, which will be an open affair maybe.

Valencia taking on Athletic Bilbao is always going to have emotion, drama, and great footballing skill. Valencia will be looking to regain some pride and confidence on their home turf, while Bilbao will hope to continue building off their success thus far this season.

It is a cool September day at Mendizorroza Stadium, and the Basque city of Vitoria-Gasteiz is alive. The home supporters are preparing as Deportivo Alavés is set to clash with Sevilla FC on September 20th, 2025, at 4:30 PM UTC. 

Imagine watching reality unfold in real-time, betting on every pass, shot, and shot attempt, and shooting penalties all for these bonuses. Now for the story.

Under the tactical brilliance of Eduardo Coudet, Alavés have started the new season like a well-oiled machine, sitting comfortably inside of 7th with 7 points from 4 games. Their phase has had an effective mixture of calculated defence and creative attack:

Alavés' home form is a fortress! Unbeaten in six home league matches, they have shown their ability to grind results out against tough teams. Moreover, to allow just four goals in six matches demonstrates a squad that not only has bravado but also a disciplined defence that, if there's a moment of opportunity, will pounce. 

With a goalie named Raúl Fernández, who seems to be ready at all moments, defenders Jonny Otto, Facundo Garcés, Nahuel Tenaglia, and Victor Parada build an impenetrable wall. Midfielders search for control with names like Carlos Vicente, Pablo Ibáñez, Antonio Blanco, and Carles Aleñá, and forwards like Jon Guridi and Toni Martínez are bringing forth the fireworks... Together, there's a story on every possession and counterattack.

On the other side of the field, Sevilla FC has a different story to tell. Matías Almeyda’s team has struggled this season, currently sitting 12th with 4 points after four games. Their previous match ended in a 2-2 draw against Elche, which only revealed cracks that could be dangerous against a well-coached Alavés club. 

There is an unexpected inevitability regarding injuries and suspensions. Ramón Martínez, Joan Jordán, Djibril Sow, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke are all unavailable. There are glimmers of hope from players such as Peque Fernández and Alfon González, who can counterattack remarkably quickly, turning defending into attacking. 

Sevilla will probably set up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, which will prioritise controlling the midfield and occupying the extremities. However, with a patchwork defence, it will take precise execution, discipline, and good fortune if the team is to leave Mendizorroza with a point or more. 

In our episode of historically rich text, it always helps to have the additional context of a pre-existing story, and this context is steeped in history. Alavés has had the upper hand in past meetings:

Sevilla has been unable to perform in Mendizorroza; it will not help that history favours the Basque hosts, offering an upper hand psychologically before the opening whistle.

Alaves will set up in a rigid 4-4-2 and counter and absorb pressure. Their plan is simple but effective.

Sevilla, on the other hand, are going to try to tactically use a formation of 4-2-3-1 as they will try to control possession and attack from both our flanks. However, without some key players, their tactical flexibility is hampered. Every pass, every movement, every mistake could change the outcome of our game.

In closing, given the data reflecting current form, your stats, and our head-to-head records, it speaks for itself.

Anticipate a thrilling, exciting encounter. Both groups have offensive strength and could create chances and goals. With Alavés’ ability to play in the comfort of their home field and also their historical dominance, that could be enough to tip the scales. 

As the light fades at Mendizorroza, the fans and all who have wagered will witness and experience drama, emotion, and moments that will define their season. Alavés appear to be in form to extend their unbeaten streak at home and continue their ascent up the La Liga table, while Sevilla's character and comeback showcase continue.