Athletic Bilbao Record Defensive Woes Since Bielsa Era

Athletic Bilbao are confronting their worst defensive numbers since the Bielsa era. The club have matched their historical record for defeats in La Liga while still having one match left at the Santiago Bernabéu. Negative records have accumulated for Athletic this season, marking the poorest ten‑match run under manager Ernesto Valverde. The ten‑match stretch is the worst of the ten Valverde has overseen on the bench. The Lions have equaled their all‑time La Liga loss record despite still having a fixture remaining, the upcoming game at the Santiago Bernabéu. That match will determine whether they can avoid further defeats. Last season the team finished fourth and secured a Champions League place. This campaign they sit twelfth and will not be mathematically safe until matchday 36. Their defensive statistics are the lowest since the period when Marcelo Bielsa was in charge. The numbers highlight a sharp decline in defensive performance. The contrast with the previous season’s top‑four finish underscores the depth of the current struggles. Fans and analysts note the rapid drop in form. The upcoming encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu offers a chance to improve the record, but the likelihood of additional losses remains high. Athletic Bilbao must address defensive frailties to change their trajectory.