Athletic Club Bilbao

After destroying Manchester United for the second time in as many weeks, Athletic Bilbao's talented youngsters have to be considered favourites to lift the UEFA Europa League.

Bilbao's latest batch of young players again passed their way through United with quickness and intelligence. No other side left in the competition can match the speed of thought and technical acumen of Marco Bielsa's youthful team.

Fernando Llorente opened the scoring with an immaculate volley from the edge of the box after escaping the attentions of Rio Ferdinand via some deft movement. After that, Bilbao controlled the flow of the game with a composure that belies their tender years.

Ander Herrerra and Iker Munain once again dictated the possession play in midfield, and the highly-touted Javier Martinez delivered a master class in how to limit Wayne Rooney.

Bilbao have strength, skill and creativity in every key area of the team and will fear no one heading into the quarterfinals. Their biggest danger may come from a fellow La Liga team.

Valencia possess a similar kind of quality and mobility in midfield and boast perhaps the competition's most dangerous striker in the crafty and decisive Roberto Soldado. A Bilbao-Valencia clash could well produce the finest football seen in this season's Europa League.

Another team who could render Bilbao underdogs would be mega-rich Manchester City, assuming they can overcome a one-goal deficit against Sporting Lisbon.

That draw would give fans another chance to see how Bilbao's adherence to youth and technique can overcome the riches and physical power of the English Premier League's finest.

If Athletic Bilbao's latest class of young talent can continue to play with the swagger that has seen them so boldly dismiss United, they have to be favourites for European glory.

It's been a week where there might not be enough superlatives to describe Spanish-based football, but Athletic Bilbao were majestic and deserving of their 3-2 win as they tore through Manchester United.

If Marcelo Bielsa was ever looking to lay down a marker for a future job at one of Europe's elite clubs, then this was it.

His side was exciting, fearless and adventurous against a Manchester United side who looked distinctly shocked at the quality of the San Mames outfit.

Javi Martinez was absolutely wonderful when his side was in possession.

He surged forward from the back-line, held his position in the centre circle to ensure the game remained in United's half of the pitch and acted as a wall that his teammates could play the ball off and resume their attack.

In defence he was strong, courageous and determined to stand his ground whenever United found themselves charging down on goal.

It was Martinez who excellently quashed a goal threat from Javier Hernandez, which then resulted in Athletic Bilbao's equaliser just before half-time.

It was a goal that was always sure to come; finished by Fernando Llorente following a nicely crafted move around the United penalty box.The Spanish striker was dominant in Athletic's attack, spear-heading the many charges and causing all kinds of problems for a United back-line who never seemed comfortable with the presence of the powerful striker.

Iker Muniain, Bilbao's very own Wayne Rooney, was like a terrier on the left side of the attack—a description that can be used for all of the team on the night—as the forward supplemented the charge with quick feet, a tireless approach, and a showcase of his ability to play in a number of attacking positions, drifting significantly infield at times to aid in all areas of the pitch.

United's opening goal felt like an injustice, such was the impressive nature of the visitors' game, starting with a Wayne Rooney free-kick played short and ending with the England striker on the end of the move.

But Bilbao continued with the relentless aggression towards their opening goal, and persisted even after the break, not wanting to sit back on their much deserved equaliser.

Almost Barcelona-like in their attacking approach, Bilbao sought to play the ball out from goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz and moved it patiently up the field.

It really was something to behold, as Bielsa's side effortlessly played the ball from back to front.

United goalkeeper David de Gea certainly showed his quality on the night, keeping the score-line respectable and slamming the door shut on two good efforts from Llorente and Muniain after half-time.

The Bilbao fans certainly played their part: fantastic in voice and providing a small window in which to view the atmosphere that awaits Sir Alex Ferguson and his side in the second leg in the Basque country.

As Marcelo Bielsa continued his obsessive pacing up and down the technical area, he perhaps portrayed a man who was struggling to find a way to stem the tide against his side.

Instead, it was his players who were in almost absolute control, exerting a kind of exuberance and vitality that can easily be summed up through Ander Herrera's pirouette around Ryan Giggs. The veteran gave the Spanish under-21 international a pat on the back, not patronizingly, but to congratulate the youngster on his and his team-mates' performance.

What seemed to be the killer blow for the tie, Muniain adding to Oscar de Marcos' second half goal in the dying minutes, was quickly answered through a Rooney penalty and a lifeline going into the second-leg.

A fantastic encounter, not only to promote the English and Spanish games, but to enhance the reputation of the Champions League's little brother, the Europa League.

We might have seen Lionel Messi thrill the world once more as he and Barcelona smashed seven past a helpless Bayer Levekusen at the Nou Camp, but the Anglo-Basque battle that took place at Old Trafford was the highlight of an unforgettable week of European football.

Athletic Club Bilbao went to Old Trafford and embarrassed the reigning Premier League champions with a masterclass in quick passing and intelligent football. The result was a comprehensive 3-2 shock victory in the UEFA Europa League last 16.

The club who currently sit just outside the Champions League spots in La Liga played Manchester United off the park in a thoroughly dominating performance that proves the Red Devils are nothing to fear.

After tonight's resounding win, Bilbao can head into the second leg next week confident of completing the upset. They proved that they are still capable of overcoming the continent's biggest clubs despite their strict responsibility and commitment to developing youth players on a budget.

They routinely glided through a slow paced and bewildered looking United team with a series of one- and two-touch passing routines. United simply couldn't cope with the Basque team's clever movement and speed of thought.

The stars were diminutive forward schemers like Iker Munain and Oscar de Marcos. The pacey and tricky pair caused United problems all night by dropping into space to receive the ball and timing smart, late runs into the box.

Their efforts were brilliantly supplemented by 22-year-old Ander Herrera who marshaled the midfield with poise and efficiency. Arsene Wenger should take note of every member of this talented trio. These are the kind of cerebral and technically refined players the Frenchman should rebuild his Arsenal team with.

Bilbao's thrilling night showed that United are there for the taking by anyone who dares to play with the same boldness and flair. There is simply no longer a reason not to attack United in the same way Marcelo Bielsa's team did.

In Wayne Rooney, the Red Devils possess one of the most gifted players in the world game and Sir Alex Ferguson's team will always give maximum effort. Yet outside Rooney, there is no one to truly scare the opposition.

Bilbao showed the way to beat United is to be technical, fluid and creative. They proved that quick passing and smart interchanges, can be more than a match for teams built on pace and power via big budgets. More of the same will ensure safe passage to the quarterfinals.

Sadly, a result like this only increases the risk of Bilbao seeing yet another talented core of homegrown players poached by Europe's elite. It's a bitter irony after a night of memorable achievement.

Those fortunate enough to have caught Athletic Bilbao's 3-1 win against Osasuna on Monday night were perhaps treated to a vision of Spain's footballing future.

His name is Iker Muniain, and he's been billed as "The Basque Wayne Rooney." It's easy to see why when you watch him in action.

The 19-year-old is a tenacious, attack-minded forward with endless imagination and a fierce drive that occasionally gets him in trouble. The fact that he was born in Pamplona makes a reference to his bullish approach nothing short of essential.

Muniain was outstanding against Osasuna.

Having scored the opening goal with a composed finish under pressure, he proceeded to run the opposition defense ragged at every opportunity. His work-rate was quite simply sensational, and the fact that it's backed up by a sublime talent makes him potentially one the biggest stars of his generation.

Little wonder he's already being linked to the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City,

At 16, Muniain became Bilbao's youngest player to appear in an official match. Soon after, he became the youngest to score a goal. From that moment forward, his name has never been far from the transfer gossip columns.

Muniain was part of Spain's victorious European Under-21 Championship squad this summer, and there are already calls for him to be included in the senior team.

Could next month's friendly against England be too soon? I don't think so.

Muniain is ready to show the world what's he's capable of.

Some believe highly of socio ownership, and some think otherwise but, like many things and choices in life, it has its positives and negatives.

Spain’s Sports Law, Ley 10/1990 del Deporte, through its Article 19.1 makes it mandatory for professional soccer clubs to become privately-owned S.A.D.s/PLCs from June 1992 for the 1992-93 season of Primera División.

However, four exceptions were allowed, based on Seventh Additional Provision of the law which permitted maintenance of existing legal organizational structure, if that club’s accounts were in the black for the last five years running starting from 1985-1986 season, in audits performed by LFP (Liga de Fútbol Profesional) and operations as member-owned non-profit sports associations.

Four clubs exempted were Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Athletic Club Bilbao, and Club Atlético Osasuna with former three having special cultural and nationalistic significance for the ethnic groups they primarily draw support from.

This exception has both its pros and cons; opponents and proponents.

Its advocates claim that it develops, fosters and perpetuates close social and economic bonds with the community a club is based in and that a democratically elected president being more accountable lessens the likelihood of indulging in financial mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility ensuring no debt overburden, and imprudent or exuberant overspending. Members feel involved, and their concerns addressed in such an enterprise enhancing its social value.

Being a non-profit organization, socios get cheaper season tickets among many benefits, banks provide low-interest loans, and other low revenue generating sports like basketball gets subsidized.

Unlike a PLC which dishes out dividends to shareholders or interests on investment to private owner(s) who may also siphon off profits to his/her other business enterprises, all profits/budget surpluses stay within the club, making a more stable, vibrant and financially viable business entity.

But there is a dark side to that superficial luster, both financially and politically.

Finance
Socio-owned La Liga clubs cannot raise capital through public/private investment or floatation of shares on the stock market to fund player purchases and club operations, and in the end are reliant on the income solely generated by the club’s activities.

There is an innate flaw in that model because due to lack of investor/shareholder scrutiny, it is nearly impossible to ensure financial fair practices and fiscal responsibilities. Accusations and allegations of lacking financial transparency and nepotism fly around in campaigns.

Politics and Elections
The very boon of socio model having roots in tradition and culture is also its bane as it gives it its inherent institutional instability so vital for a sporting organization’s achievement of long-term health and objectives.

During presidential elections by the contestants and in re-election campaigns by the incumbents, power-hungry candidates make big promises of signing star players to lure voters and ensure victory; populist, even nationalist sentiments are invoked and policies pledged.

Often all this serves as a veil to fuel personal ambitions, hide sporting inexperience, and to sling mud on the incumbent.

Sitting Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez first won in 2000 partly by promising to bring Luís Figo. Former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón came on the back of lofty promises of big player signings and brought disrepute to the club due to alleged illegal, unethical and immoral advances toward then Manchester United’s star winger Cristiano Ronaldo and a secret pre-agreement worth €30 million with the player.

Current Barça president Joan Laporta also promised to sign David Beckham and end financial mismanagement under then president Joan Gaspart. Marc Ingla, a presidential candidate for June 13 elections, has also talked about his “dream” of unveiling Arsenal’s Cesc Fàbregas.

Osasuna's current president José Francisco Izco Ilundáin won by promising Javier Aguirre as coach in 2002.

Throwing promises of signing big players may attract voters but it damages relations with other clubs, ensuing controversies, conflicts, friction, antagonism, an open war of words and the like, which consequentially hurts the club’s image.

Presidents make reckless, impetuous decisions to make or leave their mark, to establish a legacy, or to release the pressure of making socios happy.

Democracy
Socio model does provide foundation for a democratically elected presidency.

However, after elections are held every four years, effectively all socio control over the club’s policies ceases to exist and the president, in practice, becomes a monarch, even an authoritarian ruler if Real Madrid (or maybe Barcelona under Joan Laporta) is any example.

Socios have practically no influence on club’s policy, their inability to block/prevent wasteful spending in their name, and debt accumulation speaks volumes about the inclusive democracy.

Socio has only one vote and apart from approval of club’s annual budget and laws in General Assembly (through elected representatives) no say in decision making on player salaries structure, player purchase appropriations and no shares like PLC model, making administration less accountable.

Can we really call it a SOCIO OWNERSHIP when power is concentrated in the presidency?

Additionally, the Seventh Additional Provision of Ley 10/1990 del Deporte regarding a bank guarantee of 15 percent of club’s budget expenditure apparently seems to favor elitism when it is there to prevent financial mismanagement.

This provision implicitly strikes at the notion of open and representative democratic process to give equal opportunity to socios and makes it impossible for them to contest elections because they cannot ensure such guarantee to become eligible for presidential election, which highlights the inherent contradictions and conflicts to this model.

That is also where Real Madrid becomes elitist.  At Real Madrid a candidate has to submit that guarantee before contesting the presidency whereas at FC Barcelona it is only to be submitted if and when required by the club as provisioned in Royal Decree 1251/1999 (Real Decreto 1251/1999) if the club’s income is 15 percent or in excess of that for a given year.  This applies to Real Madrid as well.

Barcelona’s socios are comparatively more active than Real Madrid's.   They are more involved and participative while the Madridistas' wrath falls more on players and coaches rather than faulty administration.

Media
Local newspapers and media outlets are allegedly said to have connections with the club regimes and in return for inside stories also help spread rumors and false stories about existing players, targeted players and coaches. Such perceived or real collusions produce nothing more than a yellow journalism and media manipulation.

Middle Ground?
German Bundesliga has found a solution between socio ownership and public/private ownership by developing 50+1 rule giving majority of club shares to the fans while the rest can be purchased by investors. This model gives supporters a direct involvement in how the club is run and financially managed because while fans are shareholders in the club, it is open to outside investments as well.

Real and Barça have reportedly considered becoming PLCs but nothing came out it. Such a move, if ever made, will put potential investors on alert because both are huge brands, have marketability, large global fan base and assets making them very attractive.

Last year false rumors put Manchester City’s owner Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as a potential buyer of Real Madrid though such a move toward a change in corporate identity would have required the capital club to change its constitution and would have been very controversial and bitterly-opposed, requiring socios' voting on the issue in a referendum.

No business or political model is ever perfect or without flaws but based on experience, will and knowledge informed decisions are made and adhered to or changed when the evidence reflects a counter-productive model or suggests contrary results. Same goes for debate on benefits of a socio model or a public limited corporation.

Should Spanish clubs and fans need/have to learn anything from other ownership models prevalent in European soccer or maybe go for a hybrid model used in the Bundesliga?

These are the questions that may need answers if full accountability for bad sporting and financial management is a goal.

Has socio model lost some of its appeal and utility? Will fans never agree to or accept losing that romanticism, that mystique and that special magic of socio ownership? Apparently, not a chance!

After a 16 year stay in Athletic Bilbao, Joseba Etxeberria says goodbye to football (or soccer if you like).

His last official game was La Liga's Athletic vs. Deportivo, where he was substituted in the 70th minute and left the pitch in tears after hugging every player in it, from both his team and the other team.

He received a standing ovation while he did.

This match ended with a 2-0 win for Athletic with goals by Muniain (min 19) and Javi Martinez (min 77).

Joseba Etxeberria came to Bilbao from Real Sociedad in 1995 after having only played seven games in La Liga. He played for Athletic for the next 16 years, where he became an institution and was captain for some years.

Personally, I think his best year was 2003 when he scored 14 goals, and as a team, it would be 1998 when Athletic finished second to Real Madrid in La Liga, or 2009 when the team played the Spanish Cup final and Super Cup final, but lost both to Barcelona.

He played his last year almost for free, as he signed a two-year deal for half of what he was payed before. In his last year, he donated all his earnings to the Athletic Bilbao Foundation.

After his last official game, and due to a proposal by the Athletic Bilbao Foundation the team played another game in honor of Etxeberria.

This game was labeled by the Spanish press as "The Impossible Game", it featured Athletic Bilbao's team against 200 kids from the youth categories of the team.

There were about 20,000 people in attendance to see this game.

Athletic played with a classic 4-4-2 formation, while the youngsters played with three goalkeepers and a 20-60-17 formation.

The match ended with a 5-3 win for the pros, but was fun for everybody to watch and for the last five minutes, it was a 20 on 200 game as some Athletic players wanted to join in.

This was Etxeberrria's way to say goodbye after a 16-year career, 53 international games and who's only regret is to never have been able to win a championship with this team.

If you want to see part of the match here's a You Tube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elg-1kSYCKs