Athletic Club vs Espanyol: Prediction, Head-to-Head, Odds & Stats (Mon, 22 Dec '25)

The upcoming LaLiga match is set to unfold at the iconic San Mamés in Spain on Monday, December 22, 2025. An analysis of the recent head-to-head encounters between the two teams places Athletic Club in a more favorable position, having secured 2 wins in their last 3 meetings against Espanyol, who have not managed a single victory but have drawn once. The most recent clash between these sides occurred on Sunday, February 16, 2025, resulting in a draw.

Both teams enter this matchup with contrasting results in their recent games. Athletic Club is looking to bounce back from a 0-2 defeat to Celta Vigo, whereas Espanyol comes in on a high note, following their 1-0 triumph over Getafe. In terms of standings within their domestic league, Espanyol currently holds a slightly higher position, sitting in 5th place, while Athletic Club trails closely behind in 7th.

Key player performance is likely to play a pivotal role in the outcome of this match. Nico Williams stands out as the top scorer for Athletic Club this season, with a tally of 3 goals. Espanyol's chief playmaker, Edu Expósito, boasts 5 assists and will be someone Athletic Club needs to keep a close eye on. Furthermore, player ratings further emphasize the potential impact these individuals can have, with Edu Expósito leading Espanyol's ratings at 7.22, followed by the likes of Marko Dmitrović and Clemens Riedel. Athletic Club showcases Nico Williams with a solid rating of 7.11, supported by Aymeric Laporte and Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta.

Examining the play styles, Athletic Club maintains an average possession of approximately 48.29%, surpassing Espanyol's 41.19%. This possession advantage might translate into a higher frequency of attack, an aspect highlighted by their average of 5.29 corners per match compared to Espanyol's 4.31 corners. On the discipline front, both teams share similar card statistics, each with 30 yellow cards, 4 red cards, and 3 conceded penalty goals.

Analyzing the comprehensive stats and recent form, Athletic Club appears to hold a slight edge, especially given their historical advantages and individual player performances. If these elements coalesce in their favor, they may well secure a victory in this encounter.