The upcoming clash at San Mamés between Athletic Club and Girona on September 23, 2025, is shaping up to be a crucial battle for both sides. Athletic are aiming to bounce back from a difficult run of form and reassert themselves in the race for European qualification, while Girona are desperate to secure their first win of the season after a disastrous start that has left them bottom of the table. With both teams struggling in recent weeks, this fixture could prove decisive in setting the tone for their campaigns.

Athletic Club’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Athletic Club began the season in impressive fashion, winning their opening three matches, but momentum has stalled dramatically. They are coming into this game on the back of a 2-0 defeat against Valencia, which marked their third consecutive loss in all competitions. During this poor run, Los Leones have failed to score in three straight matches, highlighting their current attacking struggles. The absence of Daniel Vivian, who was sent off in the loss to Valencia, adds to their problems, with five other players already unavailable.

Despite their recent setbacks, Athletic remain in 7th place in La Liga with a record of three wins and two defeats. Their season averages show 1.2 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game, underlining a balance between attack and defense that has been disrupted by their recent slump. In their last five matches, they have recorded two wins and three defeats, averaging just 0.6 goals scored per game while conceding 1.2. One consistent trend is that at least one team has failed to score at half time in each of their last 21 La Liga matches, suggesting a cautious start is often the case in their games. However, the second half tends to open up, with over 0.5 goals scored after the break in each of their last 11 matches.

At San Mamés, Athletic will be eager to rediscover their early-season form. Their last meeting with Girona at home ended in a 3-0 victory in February 2025, and they will be hoping to replicate that performance to get their campaign back on track.

Girona’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Girona have endured a nightmare start to the 2025/26 La Liga season. They sit bottom of the table with just one point from five matches, having lost four and drawn one. Their most recent outing was a crushing 4-0 defeat to Levante, a game in which they had two players sent off: Vitor Reis and Axel Witsel. This result highlighted their defensive frailties, as it was the third time in five matches that they conceded three or more goals.

Girona’s season statistics paint a grim picture: they average just 0.4 goals scored per game while conceding 3.0 goals per match. Their last five fixtures have yielded no wins, one draw, and four defeats. Away from home, their defensive issues have been particularly costly, with over 0.5 goals scored in the second half of each of their last 14 away matches in La Liga. Furthermore, they have lost at half time in six of their last ten away league games, showing a tendency to fall behind early.

Historically, Girona have struggled at San Mamés, conceding three goals in each of their last two visits. With a depleted squad due to suspensions and injuries, their task against Athletic looks even more daunting this time around.

Athletic Club vs Girona: Prediction and Tactical Overview

This match brings together two teams in poor form, but the context favors Athletic Club. Despite their recent struggles, they remain significantly stronger than Girona, who are bottom of the table and leaking goals at an alarming rate. Athletic’s defensive structure has generally been solid, and if they can rediscover their attacking rhythm, they should have enough to overcome their visitors.

Girona’s inability to keep clean sheets and their lack of firepower up front make them particularly vulnerable. With seven players unavailable, including key figures due to suspension, they face an uphill battle. Athletic, meanwhile, will see this as the perfect opportunity to end their losing streak and regain confidence in front of their home fans. Given the trends, the game is likely to open up in the second half, where both teams have consistently seen goals scored.

Head-to-head history also leans towards Athletic, with their last meeting ending in a 3-0 win. Girona’s defensive record suggests another high-scoring game could be on the cards, especially considering the urgency both sides have to secure points.

Athletic Club vs Girona prediction by BetMines:
The statistical analysis points towards an Under 2.5 goals outcome with 55% probability, compared to 45% for Over 2.5 goals.