Athletic fans in Bergamo deflated by late absences yet keep the faith | OneFootball

According to El Correo, Athletic fans in Bergamo felt deflated on Tuesday after late omissions of Nico Williams, Álex Berenguer and Yuri Berchiche, yet many still believe a result at Atalanta in the Champions League is possible.

Many arrived via a flight from Asturias at Avilés, while some drove from Bilbao at midnight, reached the airport at four and waited in the cold without sleep.

Others turned the trip into a break, visiting Lecce, Lugano, Como, Verona or Milan, and some skied in the Alps. Marcos and his brothers saw Ernesto Valverde’s choices as a message not to risk, noting Williams trained and Berenguer’s issue seems ongoing.

Tuesday was largely for sightseeing, with about 30 joining a free tour run by the Leones Italianos supporters’ club. A guide greeted fans in Basque, then cheered both teams before being corrected with laughter. Supporters plan to gather at a central point in the lower town on Wednesday.

After time in Milan, Andrea and Joseba arrived by train on Monday and, though unhappy with the list, back the youngsters from the reserves. Jon said the absences were a downer for a Champions night, but felt any line-up would compete and that the shared trip matters too.

Athletic need to take something on Wednesday to stay in the hunt for a top-24 place. Around 1,500 away fans are expected after more than 8,000 ballot entries, and they intend to make themselves heard despite the absences.

Source: El Correo