Athletic Bilbao Dominates Leioa 11-0, Midfielders Absent

In Athletic Bilbao's second pre-season friendly, a commanding 11-0 triumph over Leioa at Sarriena, head coach Edin Terzic chose to exclude midfielders Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta and Beñat Prados from the 24-man squad, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

Both players had participated in the earlier midweek match against Derio. Their omission from the starting lineup and the substitute bench against Leioa was therefore significant. Forward Hierro, who replaced Maroan in the squad, scored the final two goals late in the game.

Terzic made extensive changes at halftime, completely altering his starting eleven with one exception: Nacho Monreal. Monreal played the entire ninety minutes, initially partnering Yeray in defense before switching to play alongside Paredes in the second half. Gerenabarrena and Johaneko, who had not featured in the pre-season opener, made their first pre-season appearances and were part of the starting lineup for the first half.

The absence of two central midfielders simultaneously naturally raises questions, although the circumstances for each player differ. For Galarreta, his exclusion can be viewed as a precautionary measure and part of careful squad management during the early stages of pre-season.

Prados' situation warrants a different perspective. With Oihan Sancet, Mikel Vesga, and Unai Gómez also competing for midfield positions, his playing time in these initial friendlies will be closely observed by Athletic supporters seeking clarity on the midfield pecking order. Goalkeeper Simón García was also included in the travelling squad but did not play. Future pre-season matches will indicate whether both midfielders are integrated back into Terzic's plans or if further squad movements are anticipated.

The Mundo Deportivo report does not offer any insights into potential transfer window outcomes for either player.