The iconic San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao hosts a pivotal La Liga fixture as Athletic Club face newly-promoted Real Oviedo for this Matchday 12 encounter. Athletic Club enter the match desperately seeking to arrest a poor run of form that has seen them drop down to 12th position in the table, suffering three defeats across all competitions in the last two weeks, including a draining midweek UEFA Champions League loss. They welcome a struggling Real Oviedo side, who are currently languishing in 20th position and battling to escape the relegation zone after returning to the top flight for the first time in 24 years. This clash is a must-win for the home side to regain momentum, while the visitors are fighting for every point to ensure their La Liga survival.
Match Details
This Sunday afternoon La Liga fixture is highly significant for both clubs, with Athletic Club needing to restore confidence and Real Oviedo aiming for a massive upset to boost their survival hopes.
DetailInformationCompetitionLa Liga – Matchday 12DateSunday, November 9, 2025Kick-off1:00 PM GMTVenueSan Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain
Team Form and Analysis for Athletic Club
Domestic Form and European Performance
Athletic Club have experienced a significant dip in recent performances, currently occupying 12th position in the La Liga table with 14 points from 11 matches. Their record stands at four wins, two draws, and five defeats.
The Lions are enduring a tough spell under manager Ernesto Valverde, suffering three straight defeats across all competitions. This includes a narrow 3-2 derby loss to Real Sociedad and a disheartening 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. These results have seen them plummet from the European qualification places. Athletic’s key strength remains their home form, where they have secured 10 points from their six league matches. However, they face this fixture with a severe injury and availability crisis, with key attacking players like Iñaki Williams and Nico Williams major doubts, forcing manager Valverde to field a heavily patched-up side. They must rely on their defensive organization and high pressing to overcome these challenges.
Key Player: Álex Berenguer
Winger Álex Berenguer is one of the players Athletic Club will be relying on heavily given the absence of other attacking threats. The forward has yet to open his goal-scoring account in the league this season but has a history of stepping up in crucial moments; the team won five of the six games he scored in last season. Berenguer is known for his skill on the ball and shooting ability, especially in the second half of games. His creativity and drive will be paramount for Athletic to break down a deep-lying Real Oviedo defence.
Team Form and Analysis for Real Oviedo
Domestic Form and Season Performance
Real Oviedo are struggling significantly in their first season back in the top flight, currently sitting in 20th position (the bottom spot) in the La Liga table with 8 points from 11 matches. Their record comprises two wins, two draws, and seven defeats.
The Carbayones’ difficulties have been primarily in the attacking third, with their seven goals scored being the worst attacking record in the entire division. They arrive at San Mamés on a five-match winless run across all competitions (D2, L3), though they did secure a goalless 0-0 draw against Osasuna in their last league outing, securing their second clean sheet of the campaign. Manager Luis Carrión will draw optimism from their recent away results, which include a comeback win against Valencia (2-1) and a high-scoring draw against Girona (3-3). Real Oviedo’s survival bid hinges on their defensive efforts, and they will look to goalkeeper Aarón Escandell, who has made a league-high 55 saves, to frustrate the home side.
Key Player: Aarón Escandell
Goalkeeper Aarón Escandell is arguably Real Oviedo’s most important player this season, consistently keeping them in matches with outstanding performances. The shot-stopper has registered a remarkable 55 saves in La Liga this term, the highest figure in the league, highlighting the pressure his defence has been under. Escandell’s command of his box, shot-stopping heroics, and ability to handle crosses will be essential against an Athletic Club side that relies on wide play and set-pieces. A strong performance from him is the foundation of any chance Real Oviedo has of taking points from the match.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
Despite a long history, recent competitive meetings have been scarce, though the long-term top-flight record is surprisingly close.
MetricAthletic Club WinsDrawsReal Oviedo WinsTotal Head-to-Head Meetings (All Time)391728Recent Top-Flight H2H Record (Last 6)123Most Recent Result (Dec 2011)Athletic Club 1-0 Real Oviedo (Copa del Rey)
The overall historical record is in favour of Athletic Club, who have won 39 of the 84 meetings between the clubs. However, the teams have not faced each other in the league since 2001, and in the last six top-flight meetings between the two sides, Real Oviedo have the edge (W3, D2, L1). The most recent competitive clash was in the Copa del Rey in 2011, which Athletic Club won 1-0. The last league meeting at San Mamés resulted in a 4-0 victory for Athletic Club in December 2000.
Players to Watch
Athletic Club
Gorka Guruzeta (Striker): With the Williams brothers injured, Guruzeta will lead the line. His work rate, ability to hold up the ball, and clinical instincts will be crucial for penetrating Real Oviedo’s low block.
Dani Vivian (Defender): The centre-back provides pace and solid defensive ability at the back. His leadership will be vital for organizing the defence, especially given the side’s recent tendency to concede goals in the second half.
Real Oviedo
Salomón Rondón (Striker): The veteran Venezuelan striker is Real Oviedo’s joint-top scorer with two goals this season. His experience, physical presence, and ability to hold up play will be key to relieving pressure and allowing his team to transition forward.
Leander Dendoncker (Midfielder): The Belgian international provides much-needed steel and experience in the midfield. His defensive work rate and ability to win the ball back will be essential for disrupting Athletic Club’s passing game.
Prediction
This match is a textbook clash of a struggling European challenger against a desperate relegation candidate. Athletic Club’s major advantage is the home crowd and their historical dominance at San Mamés, but their ongoing injury crisis and poor recent form will severely test their morale. Real Oviedo’s defensive focus and the form of their goalkeeper suggest they will make this a tough, low-scoring affair. Ultimately, the quality and historical resilience of Athletic Club, combined with Real Oviedo’s league-worst attack, should see the Basque side grind out a much-needed victory, likely by the narrowest of margins.
Score Prediction: Athletic Club 1-0 Real Oviedo
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This La Liga fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match is available to stream live on Viaplay Sports 1 and the La Liga TV channel. Coverage starts shortly before the 1:00 PM GMT kick-off.
In the United States (US), the match is available to watch and stream live on ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, and Fubo TV. The kick-off time is 8:00 AM ET / 5:00 AM PT.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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