Full Name: Athletic Club
City: Bilbao
Country: Spain
League: La Liga
Founded: 1898
Stadium: Estadio San Mamés (40,000)
Colors: Black, Red, White
Previous: Atlético Bilbao (1941-77)
Nicknames: Rojiblancos (The Red and White), Los Leones (The Lions)
Rival: Real Sociedad

Official Website: athletic-club.net

Formed by Basques who had been studying in England. Merged with the mainly British Bilbao FC in 1902. Since 1912, the club has fielded only Basque players and is regarded as a symbol of Basque nationalism. In 1941 the Spanish federation forced all clubs to adopt Spanish-language names and the club became Atlético Bilbao. After the death of Franco, the club reverted to its original name. One of only three clubs, along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, to have never been relegated from the Primera Division. The stadium, built in 1913, is located near the cathedral of San Mames. According to legend a small boy named Mames was thrown into a lions den. The lions refused to eat him and he later received sainthood. This is is the origin of the stadium name and the Leones nickname. Reached the 1977 UEFA Cup final.

Trophy Room:
* La Liga (1930, 31, 34, 36, 43, 56, 83, 84)
* Copa del Rey (1903, 04, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 30, 31, 32, 33, 43, 44, 45, 50, 55, 56, 58, 69, 73, 84)

2007-08 Home

2006-07 Away