Athletic Bilbao – Sporting Lisbon: a decisive night at San Mamés 
Athletic Bilbao’s Basque side host Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday for the final group-stage game in the Champions League. Both clubs can still scrape a play-off spot.
Bilbao still under pressure 
Bilbao’s European run started badly. Three defeats in their first four matches left them on the back foot.
Things have picked up of late. They’re unbeaten in their last three European outings, including a crucial 3-2 win in Bergamo over Atalanta. Down at half-time, they flipped the script after the break.
At San Mamés they’ve taken decent points in Europe, even if their recent form across all competitions has been hit-and-miss.
Last weekend’s loss in Seville reminded everyone this squad still has limits — they’re stuck in La Liga’s midtable and it shows.
Sporting more consistent but brittle away from home 
Sporting arrive in Spain with a bit more momentum. Second in the Portuguese league, they’ve put together a run of solid results, including a 2-1 win at Arouca on Saturday.
Luis Suárez keeps turning up at key moments — he was decisive again, as he was against PSG in the Champions League. At home, Sporting have won every European match this season.
Away from home it’s a different story. They still haven’t won on the road in this competition and a few trips have ended empty-handed.
Their past visits to Spain in European competition haven’t been pretty either — no wins against Spanish sides in those fixtures.
Probable Lineups
Athletic Bilbao : Simon ; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche ; Vesga, Galarreta ; Navarro, Sancet, Williams ; Guruzeta
Sporting Lisbon : Silva ; Fresneda, Inacio, Reis, Mangas ; Simoes, Hjulmand ; Catamo, Trincao, Araujo ; Suarez
Football Prediction Athletic Bilbao vs Sporting Lisbon
Under 2.5 goals
The situation forces both teams to be cautious. Bilbao have everything to play for in front of their own fans, while Sporting rarely gamble away from home.
Expect a tight game. Few clear chances. Lots of midfield scraps. It could end low on goals.
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