Pablo Sarabia’s Tough Encounters with Athletic: Key Moments to Remember
Pablo Sarabia has faced off against Athletic Bilbao ten times in recent years. His tenure includes stints with UD Las Palmas, Real Betis, and FC Barcelona, always serving as an assistant to Quique Setién. However, the upcoming match holds special significance as it will be his debut as head coach against a team he cherishes deeply.
Pablo Sarabia’s Record Against Athletic Bilbao
Sarabia’s record against Athletic is less than ideal, with only two wins, three draws, and five losses. He has been sent off in two of these encounters, both while managing Real Betis. Highlights of these matches showcase a series of intense moments that underline his challenging relationship with the club.
Significant Matches
- 2017-2018 Season: In a match where Athletic won 2-0 at Estadio Benito Villamarín, Sarabia was shown a red card. This incident occurred after a penalty was awarded to Athletic, with Raúl García converting. Sarabia’s dismissal arose from a foul on Aymeric Laporte and his subsequent protests.
- Following Season: Sarabia faced another ejection at San Mamés, where his side lost 1-0 thanks to a goal from Iker Muniain. Sarabia’s red card resulted from his reaction to a decision made by referee Estrada Fernández.
Coaching Challenges
The tension during these matches is evident in Sarabia’s remarks about the officiating. He expressed frustration over the perceived bias against his team during critical moments. This included complaints about referees focusing more on the bench than on the game’s flow.
As Sarabia prepares to lead his team against Athletic Bilbao once again, these past encounters serve as both a learning experience and a reminder of the intense emotions that can arise in football. With the weight of history on his shoulders, he will aim to change the narrative in favor of his current club.
