Athletic Bilbao captain Inaki Williams has said his team will approach their UEFA Champions League opener against Arsenal without fear as the Spanish side makes a long-awaited return to Europe’s top competition.
Athletic, who maintain a unique policy of selecting only players from the Basque region, are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2014, qualifying for only the third time in their history.
Williams, a Ghana international, told reporters that the squad is relishing the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“So many of us are looking forward to debuting in the Champions League. For years, we’ve fought for a day like tomorrow, and we want to grow our dream,” Williams said. “We are not afraid of anyone; it will be a really nice game.”
The striker will make his Champions League debut at San Mames, though his younger brother Nico Williams will be unavailable due to a groin injury. “I hope I can debut with a win, but it’s a pity I can’t do it with Nico,” Williams added.
Athletic coach Ernesto Valverde praised his Arsenal counterpart, Mikel Arteta, ahead of the Group Stage encounter.
“He’s one of the best coaches in the world, and he’s showing what he can do at Arsenal,” Valverde said. “They don’t let you play, they press in every duel, they insist, and it’s hard to press them. They’re a team with a stamp on them, and that stamp is Arteta.”
Arsenal head into the match with a strong midfield that includes Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, and Martin Odegaard, although Odegaard is expected to miss the tie through injury.
The match at San Mames is expected to be played before a sold-out crowd, with both sides keen to begin their Champions League campaigns on a strong note.
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