Athletic Bilbao and Elche maintain strong historical bonds rooted in decades of player and coaching exchanges, according to reporting from AS. The relationship spans numerous athletes who have worn both shirts, including Andoni López, Guillermo, Etxeita, Zubiaurre, David Cuéllar, and others, creating what the article describes as an “unbreakable affinity” between the clubs.
One notable recent example involves goalkeeper Unai Simón, who was loaned to Elche in August 2018. After just 20 days without making his debut, Simón returned to Athletic due to injuries and departures among the club’s goalkeeping ranks. Agirreoa, a former Elche and Athletic goalkeeper who also played for Tenerife, helped develop Simón at Athletic’s academy in Lezama. According to the article, Agirreoa stated: “The best Unai Simón we haven’t seen yet. He has an Athletic profile. Not only on the field, but off it, it’s part of the education.”
The coaching connections run equally deep. Athletic’s current manager Terzic and Eder Sarabia, Elche’s recently prominent coach, have worked together multiple times since 2008, including stints with a youth team at Danok Bat and later with Andorra, where they achieved promotion to Segunda División in 2021. Sarabia is described as passionate about Athletic, influenced by his father Manolo, a legendary Athletic player. Their collaboration began over 15 years ago and has spanned several successful campaigns together.
The emotional weight of these connections intensifies with historical context. Elche played a significant Copa del Rey final against Athletic in 1969, described as “the most important match in the history” of Elche club. That match holds particular significance in Elche’s collective memory.
As the teams prepare to meet at San Mamés, Athletic enters the match after consecutive victories against Celta and Atlético Madrid under Terzic’s guidance, while Elche arrives with only one point and three consecutive losses. The article notes Athletic has defensive solidity and attacking effectiveness restored, with key players like Sancet and Nico Williams approaching full form. Athletic faces injury concerns with Vivian, Canales, and Guruzeta unavailable. Elche’s defensive struggles have yielded 12 goals conceded in four matches, with only Yago Santiago ruled out for the visitors.
Key facts
- Athletic and Elche have shared numerous players including Andoni López, Guillermo, Etxeita, and Zubiaurre
- Unai Simón was loaned to Elche for 20 days in August 2018 before returning to Athletic
- Eder Sarabia and Terzic have collaborated since 2008, including successful campaigns with Andorra (promotion to Segunda División in 2021) and Elche
- Elche played Athletic in a historic Copa del Rey final in 1969
- Athletic has won twice recently (vs Celta and Atlético Madrid) while Elche has one point and three consecutive losses
- Elche has conceded 12 goals in four matches