Match Pack: Granada CF vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD36)

As LaLiga 2021/22 draws to a close, Athletic Club face Granada CF in the Andalusian city. Marcelino’s side are fighting for a European place, and with nine points left to play for, they are now just one point behind Villarreal in seventh place and a spot in next season’s Conference League.

Granada CF are battling to stay in the division. After after their big win over Mallorca, they are two points clear of the drop zone.

Match Info
Granada CF (Matchday 36)

Nuevo Los Carmenes (Granada)

LaLiga Santander 2021/22

Tuesday May 10, 20:00 CEST

How to Watch

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Team News

Marcelino has named a 19-man squad for the fixture. Defenders Yeray, Oscar de Marcos, Unai Nuñez and Ander Capa are all unavailable, as is forward Oihan Sancet, who has a groin issue.

Marcelino’s Comments

The boss urged Athletic to attack on the front foot and go for it from the very first second against Granada. He stressed it was a hugely important match for the Lions, with a win potentially taking them one step closer to European football next season.

More talking points from the gaffer’s pre-match press conference.

The Opponents

Originally founded as Club Recreativo Granada in 1931, Granada Club de Futbol was formed in 1940 – while the former became the reserves side  – and made their First Division debut in 1941/42. Since then they have played 26 seasons in the top flight over six spells.

LaLiga position: 17th

Form over last five LaLiga matches: LLDDW

Last LaLiga match: 2-6 win against RCD Mallorca (A)

New coach: Aitor Karanka

There will be a familiar face on the Granada bench this Tuesday. New head coach Aitor Karanka, who took over in late April, spent eight years at Athletic across two different spells. The defender from Vitoria has got off to a good start in Andalusia, going undefeated in his first three games in charge.

Until taking the Granada job, Aitor had only managed in England, having been the main man at Middlesborough, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham City.

Previous Meetings
The two sides’ first LaLiga meeting came in the 1941/42 season. Granada and Athletic have played a total of 51 matches, with the Lions winning 26, drawing 13 and losing 13. Granada has been tough stomping ground for the Lions. They have only managed six wins, nine draws in addition to 10 defeats in the Andalusian city.

As for last five encounters between the two teams at Los Carmenes, Athletic have one win, one draw, and three defeats. The most recent victory came in 2016, thanks to goals from Raúl García and Aymeric Laporte.

Check out Athletic’s entire head-to-head record against Granada CF across all competitions.