Match Summary
Athletic Club defeated Plzen 3:1. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2024. Goals were scored by Nico Williams 25′, Yeray 64′, M. Havel 71′, Javi Martón 90′. 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Athletic Club had 58% possession while Plzen held 42%. Athletic Club had 19 shots (8 on target) compared to 8 (2 on target) for Plzen. Expected goals: Athletic Club 2.20 — Plzen 0.58. Athletic Club made 5 substitutions, Plzen made 2. VAR was involved: Goal cancelled (Daniel Vivian 23′), Card upgrade (Daniel Vasulin 88′).
Match Events
Key match events between Athletic Club and Plzen — 4 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: I. Williams
assist: Álex Berenguer
assist: L. Červ
assist: Oihan Sancet
Match Statistics
Athletic Club had 58% possession against Plzen's 42%. Athletic Club registered 19 shots (8 on target) while Plzen managed 8 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 7–1. Fouls committed: 11–9.
Lineups
Athletic Club lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Ernesto Valverde, while Plzen deployed a 3-5-2 under M. Koubek.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Athletic Club is 6.83, compared to 7.09 for Plzen. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Athletic Club's highest-rated starter is Yeray (7.20), while Plzen's best-rated player is P. Šulc (7.80).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Athletic Club have contributed 8 goals and 9 assists this season, led by Nico Williams (4G). Plzen's starters account for 4 goals and 6 assists, spearheaded by L. Červ (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Athletic Club deploy 4 defenders rated 7.11 on average, against Plzen's 3-man backline averaging 7.04. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Athletic Club field 5 midfielders averaging 6.80, versus Plzen's 5 rated 7.43. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Athletic Club start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Plzen averaging 6.55. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 79% for Athletic Club and 75% for Plzen. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Athletic Club's starters have collected 8 yellow cards this season, compared to 11 for Plzen. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Athletic Club's starting XI is 27.7 (youngest: Mikel Jauregizar (22), oldest: Yuri (35)), while Plzen average 26.3 (youngest: P. Adu (22), oldest: M. Vydra (33)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Athletic Club's starters average 17 league appearances each, versus 7 for Plzen. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Athletic Club have recorded 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 defeats. Plzen show 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Athletic Club
Plzen
API data: 15 Mar 2026