LaLiga kicks off for Athletic Club

As with 2019-20, Athletic Club have been given the responsibility of launching LaLiga 2020-21.

Gaizka Garitano’s charges will kick off the league competition in the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes against Granada on Friday at 21:00.

Last season, the lions also played in the first fixture of the season, also on a Friday night. In that game, Athletic took on FC Barcelona and won thanks to a memorable flying volley from striker Aritz Aduriz.

Athletic have a recent record of starting off LaLiga campaigns on the right foot. The last time the lions did not taste victory in a season opener was in 2017-18, when they drew 0-0 against Getafe.

A year later, Athletic began the season by defeating CD Leganés 2-1 in San Mamés —a last-minute winner from playmaker Iker Muniain giving Athletic the three points. 

In 2019-20, Athletic got off to a winning start after beating Barcelona 1-0. The game will always hold a special place in the hearts of Athletic fans because Aduriz’s winner was the final goal of his playing career.

On Friday, Athletic face Granada, a team that left the lions with mixed emotions last season. The most recent encounter between the two sides was a 4-0 loss for Athletic in the final LaLiga game of the season, leaving the lions with a bitter taste in the mouth.

However, one of Athletic’s greatest moments came when they managed to progress to the yet to be played Copa del Rey final at the expense of the Andalusians.

In total, Athletic Club and Granada CF have faced each other on 48 occasions in LaLiga, Athletic have won 25 times, drawn 11 and lost 12.