Athletic Bilbao B vs Tenerife on 7 February
On 7th February, two sides in the thick of the Primera RFEF action, Athletic Bilbao B and Tenerife, will clash in a crucial encounter that could tip the balance in their respective campaigns. For Bilbao B, it's a chance to strengthen their grip on mid-table safety and demonstrate their promising potential, while Tenerife will look to continue their charge for promotion, knowing that every point matters in the tight race at the top. With both sides bringing distinct tactical styles to the pitch, this match promises to be a fascinating battle of philosophies. The game will take place at Lezama, the home of Athletic Bilbao B, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric despite the cold February conditions. The weather could bring an added layer of unpredictability, with gusty winds potentially affecting ball control and passing precision.
Athletic Bilbao B: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Athletic Bilbao B have found themselves firmly entrenched in mid-table over the past few weeks. Their last five matches have produced a mixed bag of results – with two wins, two losses, and one draw – indicating a team struggling for consistency but still capable of delivering solid performances. Bilbao B typically sets up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on building from the back and pressing high when out of possession. The use of a high defensive line to compress space is a hallmark of their game, while the midfielders work hard to maintain possession and dictate the tempo of play. Their possession-based style relies heavily on precise passing and quick ball circulation, with the full-backs often pushing high up the pitch to support the wingers. Key metrics from their recent games show a respectable 58% average possession, but their xG (expected goals) of 1.3 per game highlights their need for more clinical finishing. One area where they struggle is in defensive transitions; they've conceded an average of 1.4 goals per game in their last five outings, often due to lapses when recovering the ball. Key players for Bilbao B include the creative midfielder Jon Morcillo, who acts as the engine of their attack, often dropping deep to receive the ball and orchestrate play. Upfront, the dynamic forward Javi López has been in fine form, contributing with both goals and assists. However, injuries to central defenders such as Oier Zarraga could see the defensive unit disrupted, leading to potential vulnerabilities at the back.
Tenerife: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Tenerife, on the other hand, arrive at this fixture with a much more formidable record in recent weeks, winning four of their last five matches. Sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of the league table, they are in the midst of a promotion battle and will not take this clash lightly. Tenerife’s approach is based around a 4-4-2 system, which leans on direct play and quick transitions. Their strategy is to play to the strengths of their physical and pacey forwards, making the most of set-pieces and counter-attacks. With an average possession of 51% in their last five games, Tenerife are more inclined to defend deep and hit on the break, looking to exploit spaces left by opponents who overcommit forward. One of their standout metrics is a solid 8.2 shots per game, but a slightly low xG of 1.2 per match suggests they are creating chances from outside the box, relying on long-range efforts rather than clear-cut opportunities. Tenerife's solid defensive unit, led by captain Aitor Sanz, has been impressive, conceding only 0.9 goals per game over the past five. However, their attacking unit, while potent on the counter, struggles against teams that press aggressively and limit their space in advanced positions. The key player for Tenerife is forward Enric Gallego, whose ability to hold up play and bring others into the attack makes him a constant threat. The midfield will be bolstered by the work rate of Borja Lasso, who has been excellent in both defensive duties and launching forward runs. However, Tenerife will miss the services of their key right-back, who has been sidelined with a minor injury, which could expose their right flank.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
Historically, the matchups between Athletic Bilbao B and Tenerife have been fiercely contested, with both sides showing no love lost on the pitch. In the last three encounters, Bilbao B has managed to win once, Tenerife once, and the remaining match ended in a draw. The nature of these fixtures has often been defined by intense midfield battles and moments of individual brilliance, rather than purely tactical outcomes. In terms of recent form, Tenerife has had the upper hand, but Bilbao B’s ability to compete in a high-pressing environment gives them a psychological edge when facing off against teams that struggle to deal with such pressure. Bilbao B’s youth-based squad often feeds off the crowd, using their energy to push the game at a relentless pace, which could catch Tenerife off guard if they aren’t fully prepared for the intensity.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most crucial battles in this match will take place in the middle of the pitch. Tenerife’s solid midfield duo of Borja Lasso and Javi Alonso will face off against Bilbao B’s dynamic trio of Jon Morcillo, Ibai Gómez, and Gorka Guruzeta. The ability of Lasso and Alonso to disrupt Bilbao B’s buildup play will be key, but Morcillo’s creativity and vision could prove a deciding factor if Tenerife fails to neutralize his influence early on. If Bilbao B can control the tempo in midfield, they may well dictate the flow of the match. Another key area to watch will be the battle between Tenerife’s defensive line and Bilbao B’s attacking unit, particularly on the wings. Bilbao B's wingers, including the rapid Iker Undabarrena, will look to test Tenerife’s full-backs, especially with Tenerife missing their starting right-back. If Undabarrena can isolate the full-back and deliver dangerous crosses, it could create problems for Tenerife’s backline. Finally, the presence of Tenerife’s physical striker Enric Gallego against Bilbao B’s youthful central defenders is an intriguing matchup. If Gallego can hold up the ball effectively and bring others into play, he could provide the spark for Tenerife’s counter-attacks.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This match promises to be an exciting, high-energy affair. Bilbao B will likely look to dominate possession and press Tenerife high up the pitch, attempting to limit their ability to counter-attack. Tenerife, on the other hand, will set up to absorb pressure and hit on the break, looking for quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by Bilbao B’s forward push. The tactical balance of the game will depend on how well Bilbao B can manage Tenerife’s counter-attacks while maintaining their attacking rhythm. Given Tenerife’s solid defensive record and Bilbao B’s vulnerability at the back, Tenerife might just edge this contest, especially if they manage to break the high press and exploit the spaces left behind. A 2-1 victory for Tenerife seems the most likely outcome, with Bilbao B showing enough quality to get on the scoresheet but ultimately unable to cope with Tenerife’s attacking potency on the counter.
Final Thoughts
Both teams come into this match with something to prove: Athletic Bilbao B, with their youthful energy and ambitious press, and Tenerife, with their promotion hopes on the line. The key to this game will be the midfield battle, where control of possession and the ability to launch dangerous counter-attacks will likely decide the outcome. While Bilbao B has the tools to make it a competitive affair, Tenerife’s experience and tactical discipline could see them through to a narrow victory. This match will ultimately answer the question: Can Bilbao B’s youthful press and intensity match the experienced counter-attacking strategy of Tenerife?
