GRAPHENE-FAUCET - COMMUNITY-FUNDED GIVEAWAY

@Graphene-Faucet - Soccer: Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol

Category: Soccer League: Spanish La Liga

Match Time: 2025-12-22 20:00:00 UTC*

(*) Times may be subject to change without prior notice.

How to participate in this giveaway

1. If you don't already have a Steem account get a free account at Create New Steemit Account

2. Simply vote for your favourite team or vote for a draw (if applicable) in the comments below. Vote only comments generated by the @graphene-faucet account.

3. For maximum share of the giveaway pool, vote with 100% voting power.

4. The payouts are stake-weighted so the more Steem Power you have when you vote, the greater the share of the giveaway payout you will receive. Steem can be purchased i.e. at Binance if you haven't a Binance account you can use this link: Binance SignUp or can be trade at Poloniex.

5. In order to Power Up your new STEEM, simply withdraw STEEM from the exchange to your native Blockchain account and visit https://steemitwallet.com to Power Up.

General Information

• The giveaway pool will be comprised of **(Post Author Rewards + Winning Team comment Author Rewards + Losing Team(s) Comment(s) Author reward(s) - 15% Graphene-Faucet commission.

• It is not mandatory to vote the main post, however it adds to visibility on Steemit's trending page and the rewards will be added to the giveaway pool.

• Votes made after the time the game starts will not be counted, the additional author rewards from late votes will be added to the giveaway pool.

• The giveaway will be distributed when these conditions are met: 8 days have passed since the post was published and the match has ended. To who predicted correctly will be sent a transfer with their share of the giveaway pool and a comment will be added to the original post with the distribution list of the giveaway pool.

• You will always earn curation rewards from voting on the post or comment, everyone earn something!

• Voting multiple teams with the same account will result in disqualification, our bot checks for that so don't be clever and try to hedge your predictions.

• Please invite your friends to play, feel free to be social and discuss the match in the comments section below.

• E&OE

1.636 STEEM* MultiStrike!

5% of the giveaway pool of each game will be sent to the @multistrike account to accumulate over time until someone emerges who consecutively predict 5 (five) games in a row. The giveaway of the MultiStrike bounty will be automatically paid out the entirety of the funds held in the @multistrike account. Should there be multiple simultaneous strikers, the giveaway will be shared between them equally. Once the giveaway has been paid, it will start accumulating again with each game.
(*) This MultiStrike value is a snapshot taken at the time of the creation of this post; for the real-time value check https://steemitwallet.com/@multistrike

⚡️Preview of the Match "Athletic Bilbao" vs "Espanyol"⚡️

Basque Derby Beckons: Athletic Club and Bilbao Set for Showdown

The footballing world's gaze will turn to the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat this weekend as two of La Liga's most storied rivals, Athletic Club and Bilbao, renew their fierce rivalry in a highly anticipated Basque Derby. While the fixture officially features Espanyol and not Bilbao, the spirit of regional rivalry and the historical significance of the Basque region within Spanish football lends a unique flavor to this encounter, even if the teams involved aren't the traditional "Athletic vs Bilbao." For the sake of this preview, we will focus on the actual matchup between Athletic Club and Espanyol, recognizing the slight misnomer in the original prompt.

The Context: A Battle for Momentum

Both Athletic Club and Espanyol enter this clash with varying degrees of pressure and ambition. Athletic Club, traditionally known for their robust defensive organization and direct attacking play, find themselves in a mid-table position, aspiring to push for European qualification. Their season has been a mix of resilient performances and frustrating inconsistencies, and a victory in this derby would provide a much-needed injection of confidence and momentum.

Espanyol, on the other hand, are battling to solidify their position in the top flight after a recent return to La Liga. Their home form will be crucial in their quest for survival, and overcoming a formidable opponent like Athletic Club would be a significant statement of intent. The "Periquitos" will be desperate to put on a show for their home faithful and claim bragging rights in what is always a passionate affair.

Athletic Club: Strengths and Key Players

Under the guidance of Marcelino, Athletic Club has become a disciplined and tactically astute side. Their defensive solidity is a cornerstone of their game, with Íñigo Martínez forming an imposing partnership at the back. Upfront, the pace and trickery of Iñaki Williams remain a constant threat, capable of turning a game with a single burst of acceleration. Oihan Sancet's growing influence in midfield, combining creativity with work rate, will also be vital in dictating the tempo.

Athletic's ability to win aerial duels and capitalize on set-pieces will be a key weapon against Espanyol. They are a team that thrives on intensity and physicality, and they will look to impose their will on the game from the first whistle.

Espanyol: Strengths and Key Players

Espanyol, coached by Vicente Moreno, are known for their organized defense and quick transitions. Their midfield battle will be crucial, with the likes of Sergi Darder pulling the strings and providing the creative spark. Raúl de Tomás, their prolific striker, is undoubtedly the talisman of the team. His ability to find the back of the net, often from difficult positions, will be Espanyol's primary hope for goals.

The "Periquitos" will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Athletic and will rely on their wingers to provide width and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. Their home crowd will also play a significant role, creating an intimidating atmosphere that can often inspire the players to new heights.

Tactical Battleground: Where the Game Will Be Won

The midfield will undoubtedly be the central battleground. Athletic's physical presence and ability to press high will challenge Espanyol's ball retention. Conversely, Espanyol's quick passing and movement will aim to disrupt Athletic's defensive shape.

Set-pieces will also be crucial. Both teams possess strong aerial threats, and a well-taken free-kick or corner could easily swing the game. The individual duel between Iñaki Williams and Espanyol's full-backs, as well as Raúl de Tomás's constant threat against Athletic's central defenders, will be fascinating to watch.

Prediction

This derby promises to be a tight and fiercely contested affair. Athletic Club's defensive solidity and tactical discipline often make them a difficult team to break down, especially in big games. However, Espanyol's home advantage and the individual brilliance of Raúl de Tomás cannot be underestimated.

While a draw is a distinct possibility, the slight edge might go to Athletic Club due to their greater experience in these high-stakes encounters and their consistent defensive record. Expect a game of few clear-cut chances, decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a set-piece.

Final Score Prediction: Athletic Club 1-0 Espanyol

Regardless of the outcome, the Basque Derby, even with this slight deviation in traditional naming, is always a spectacle of passion, rivalry, and intense football. Fans can look forward to a captivating ninety minutes of action, a true testament to the enduring spirit of Spanish football.

This preview of the match has been generated with AI and may contain errors.
Vote for all matches from one place: Graphene Faucet Aggregator
Download Steem Keychain App to vote from Smartphone: Steem Keychain App