Having paid homage to vanquished Napoli team earlier this week, it seems fitting to do the same for an Athletic Bilbao team that thrashed Manchester United over two legs, advancing to the Europa League quarterfinals after last night's 2-1 victory capped a 5-3 aggregate win.
There is little left to be said about Bilbao since their rebirth has been closely monitored by the leading La Liga pundits. On November 7, Sid Lowe praised Bilbao's spirit in a very even contest with Barcelona, reporting that Pep Guardiola said to Bielsa, "Your men are beasts" after the two teams drew 2-2 at San Mamés. Then on February 27, Phil Ball devoted much of his column to Bilbao's achievements - Copa del Rey final, Europa League, within shouting distance of a Champions League place next year. And in the build-up to the showdown with United, Lowe marveled at Bielsa's meticulous preparation and training ground tactics, suggesting that "the most exciting Bilbao team for decades" might challenge the red devils.
After last night's match, it was Sir Alex Ferguson's turn. "What we have seen...is a team whose workrate is higher than anyone I have seen in Europe," he said. He also admitted that he essentially surrendered at the hour mark when he substituted Ferdinand, Carrick, and Giggs.
My take on Bilbao is that it's been a succession of pieces falling into place. First was the emergence of a generation of supremely talented players, all worthy of a shot at the national team: Javi Martinez, Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain, Ander Herrera. These guys are all in their mid-20's but have been playing for the first team since they were 17 or 18. In the last 2-3 years, transfer market spending around Europe has calmed so the core of young talent has remained at Bilbao. And Bielsa arrived at just the right moment to shape the team.
European football will be better off if this core stays together at Bilbao and the team qualifies for next year's Champions League.
