Leioa vs Athletic Club - Friendlies Clubs

A fascinating Friendlies Clubs chapter awaits on July 18, 2026 when Leioa take on Athletic Club at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

There is little to choose between Leioa and Athletic Club on paper, and the Friendlies Clubs encounter should reflect that balance. Leioa's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. He was sacked by Fiorentina after Che Adams' late goal for Torino left them bottom of the Serie A table with three defeats out of three.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Leioa favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Athletic Club are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. They are sticking to the principles of possession and pressing that have taken them from the fourth tier.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Despite these links, United will not be parting ways with the Slovenian striker.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Friendlies Clubs standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. England captain Harry Kane is likely to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Bayern Munich despite interest from Barcelona.